Such a fuss over devices with words like always, never, everyone, and nobody! Kids today are “always” on their phones or their iPads. They “never” go outside to just play. “Everyone” is texting all the time. “Nobody” knows how to have a conversation anymore! Well, not exactly!
I noticed my 18 month old grandson can maneuver his way around the iPad and YouTube better than I can. He scrolls through to what he is looking for with his thumb. Once he finds it, he taps it with his finger. Fascinating! He isn’t random. He knows exactly what he’s looking for, and if something looks interesting, but isn’t, he moves on quickly and fluidly. He’s attracted to the t.v. remote control, and if the phone rings he is positive it is for him. I have received texts from him. I know they’re from him, because even on a bad day the rest of my family can send fairly legible texts. He also called his aunt in Luxembourg once. At least we hope it was only once.
In the course of a day he will flit like a curious butterfly from t.v. to toys, to iPad, to books, to rocking horse, back to iPad, to hide and seek, to swimming, to t.v., to playing on the porch, to going on a hike, to picking up leaves, to having a conversation with you that only he understands, to playing with the pots and pans he drags out of the kitchen cupboards, to rearranging the fridge magnets, and cuddling in your lap. He does everything that we all use to do as kids and more, because he has more to do. Pediatricians warn parents, “Limit their screen time.” Not necessary, kids limit themselves, even though others, mostly older adults, look on with judgments of always, never, everyone, and nobody to describe “only” what they want to see.
These devices are tools of the 21st century. We make observations about how it was back in the day, but we aren’t back in the day. Back in the day we didn’t have seatbelts either, but I would no more drive around without wearing one today, nor would I advise my kids to do so either just because we didn’t have them back in the day! With every text, every email, every question that is asked of Siri we are communicating. And because we do it often during the day, we are communicating a lot. Probably more than back in the day. I know I do.
Today, in the 21st century, jobs are applied for online. Appointment confirmations are sent over texts. Airline boarding passes are accessed by phone. We pay bills online, communicate with employers, friends, and family through email. And when we complain about kids today always being on their devices, we do that on Facebook. Ironic, isn’t it.
Very well said. You say the truth in such a funny way.
Thank you. I’m glad you enjoyed it.
I have mixed feelings about this. I have seen & have been addicted to screen time. I do think it needs to be limited. I watch my grandkids, kids & myself go into a trance when looking at screens. Yes, technology is a part of the world. But when people choose screens over going outside or eating, there is a problem. Maybe if we just let them choose what they want, they will make healthy choices. Or maybe it is just easier for us when they are entertained. I am glad I did not have to deal with the draw of screens everywhere, when my kids were young. There are great things about communication and access that technology gives us. There is also too much violence & other things that I would prefer my grandchildren not be exposed to at 1 or 3 or 5 or 10.
Thank you for your comment. I appreciate your thoughts. My real focus was more on the absolutes of always, everyone, nobody, and never, than on the screen time itself. I appreciate the need for great variety in our lives and believe that most of us, even children will choose to mix it up. Thank you for reading. I hope you continue to contribute your thoughts.
Guess there’s no way to argue the point when I ALWAYS communicate with you via email or text, and NEVER get to see you in person anymore. Maybe a little technology is a good thing. 🙂
I was thinking the same thing. And without that technology the distance would be much greater. It’s what allows us to stay connected through great distance and feeds our friendship.