Technology Balance
Mixed Signals: Connection to Technology is Disconnecting Child Development
Overview
TV - the new parent, reality shows - the new family, medication - the new disciplinarian, video games – the new heroin, Wii - the new sport, ADHD/Autism/depression/anxiety - the new age diagnosis, text messaging/emails – the new communication. Children use on average 8 hours per day of combined technology, with over 65% of children having TV’s in their bedrooms. Due to the rise in child aggression, media violence has been designated a public health risk. Hard wired for high speed, children can no longer learn. Schools are creating Virtual Classrooms, and homes are creating Virtual Families, further alienating children from essential human connection and attachment that is the basis for all learning. Children are our future, yet choices made today raise the question: are children no longer sustainable?
Goal
Mixed Signals raises public awareness regarding the damaging impact of technology on child development and academic performance, and provides initiatives for schools, homes and communities to create ‘sustainable’ children.
Learning Outcomes
- Relate current technology research to academic performance, physical health, and mental well being
- Explore the effects of media violence and cyberbullying on child aggression behavior
- Recognize parent, teacher and physician trend to diagnose and drug child behavior
- Evaluate balanced technology management and apply school and home reduction strategies
Handouts
Technology Addiction Questionnaire
10 Steps to Unplug Your Children from Technology
Unplug – Don’t Drug Directive
Who should attend?
Parents, teachers, administrators, special education staff, occupational therapists, speech and language pathologists, physical therapists, counsellors, physicians, psychologists, psychiatrists, social workers and child care providers. Foundation Series Workshops are designed to be introductory level for therapists, intermediate for teachers and advanced for parents, child care workers and teaching assistants.
Evidence based – Research referenced – Strategy focused