How Do Computers Affect the Social Behavior of Children?

According to 2011 data released by the U.S. Bureau of Statistics, 75.6 percent of households in the U.S. own a computer, with 71.7 percent accessing the Internet. This is evidence that many children have access to computers at home, which has both positive and negative effects. The negative effects often outweigh the positive, especially if computer use is unregulated. Too much computer use affects children̵7;s development by causing the brain to waste away, according to research compiled by Sarah Harris, writing for the Daily Mail.

  1. Communication and Learning

    • Children today communicate faster with distant friends and relatives. Emails and social networks, such as Facebook and Twitter, allow them to send messages and attachments and get quick responses. They can also access information on various topics quickly, which reduces the time they spend on research and homework. Computers also help children enhance technological skills, which will help them later in college and in their jobs.

    Sex and Violence

    • The increase in computer use makes children vulnerable to information with explicit sexual content or graphic violence. Computers increase children̵7;s exposure to violent computer games and programs over the Internet. This may lead to aggressive tendencies in children, negatively affecting their behavior. Additionally, children also access pornographic material and in some cases participate in sharing nude pictures or explicit messages, making them vulnerable to child pornography, which may have legal consequences. This can lead to health risks including anxiety, depression and social withdrawal.

    Socializing

    • Children make friends from across the world and share information about their different cultures with the help of computers. This helps expand a child̵7;s social circle and open her up to new cultures. However, online socializing exposes children to cyberbullying and may affect their ability to experience real life socializing. Cyberbullying exposes children to pedophiles, kidnappers, terrorists or people who teach them hate, discrimination or violence. It may also lead to anxiety, depression or suicide. Additionally, computers limit children̵7;s ability to interact and mature socially.

    Considerations

    • Although the computer has positive benefits, your child is still at risk. Control the amount of time your children spend in front of the computer. You can help keep your child safe by installing parental control features that help you regulate information they can access over the Internet. Too much computer use also leads to inactivity in children, which can cause obesity. Encourage your children into real life social settings and activities away from the computer to ensure holistic development.

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