Technological advances, such as the Internet, have made this world more understandable and more accessible. People can reach out to each other within seconds or learn about the first years of the universe. However, these benefits can come at a high price when it comes to children (Açikgöz et al. 143). It has been acknowledged that Internet use can have both positive and negative effects on a child’s development.
On the one hand, Internet access can have a positive impact on a child’s development. Children can access important and interesting information about the world around them, and they can also train memory and diverse skills (reading, calculating, data processing, and so on) (Açikgöz et al. 144). It has been found that children reading and information processing skills improved after the use of the Internet (Açikgöz et al. 144). On the other hand, excessive and uncontrolled use of the Internet may lead to limited physical activity (and resulting obesity or spine issues) and psychological problems such as depression and anxiety, or even addiction (El Asam et al. 428). Children’s perceptions about norms and standards (for example, body image) can also be altered and cause harm (Slater et al. 2047). Hence, it is important to make sure that children’s access to the Internet is properly controlled.
In conclusion, it possible to state that Internet access has both positive and negative effects on a child’s development. Although children can learn more and improve their academic skills if the access is uncontrolled negative outcomes can appear. These impacts include the improper development of the musculoskeletal system, higher risks of obesity, and diverse psychological issues. Therefore, a child’s access to the Internet should be supervised by adults so that the child could benefit from technology use.
References
Açikgöz, İnci, et al. “Effects of the Use of the Internet on the Development Process of Children and Adolescents.” Health Sciences Research in the Globalizing World, edited by Elena Alexandrova, St. Kliment Ohridski University Press, 2018, pp. 141-154.
El Asam, Aiman, et al. “Problematic Internet Use and Mental Health Among British Children and Adolescents.” Addictive Behaviors, vol. 90, 2019, pp. 428-436.
Slater, Amy, et al. “More Than Just Child’S Play?: An Experimental Investigation of the Impact of an Appearance-Focused Internet Game on Body Image and Career Aspirations of Young Girls”. Journal of Youth and Adolescence, vol. 46, no. 9, 2017, pp. 2047-2059.