Kids and Technology

In many ways, the world today is different than the world that I grew up in.  The advancement of technology has, I believe, played a major role in that.  I remember when my parents bought our first VCR and what an exciting time that was.  I also remember our first computer and our first microwave and how the acquisition of these things seemed to make life easier.  And, don't forget about the cordless phone - that was a big one!  I really appreciated that when I was a teenager. 

As cool and "advanced" as those things were so many years ago, they pale in comparison to the technology of today.  In some ways, I get excited about all of the ways in which this stuff can make life easier.  It is hard to imagine living without a cell phone or the Internet.  The advance in technology has surely been a blessing, but I think it has also come at a cost.  I worry about my kids using the Internet and coming across all of the filth that is out there.  While knowledge is only a click away, so is access to a world that I don't want my kids to see.  That has already become an issue when my son, then 10 years old, accidentally came across pornographic images that deeply affected him.  I try to keep them safe from these influences with web filters, but they are not fool proof.  And, now the Internet is accessible on almost all cell phones and ipods.  It is hard to put filters on those things if your kids are carrying them around with them.  It continues to amaze me how many young kids are being given these devices by their parents.  My son is almost 13 years old and is now among the small minority of kids in his classes at church and school that do not have a cell phone.  Many even have the sophisticated iPhone.   Even kids in my 3rd grader's class have their own phones.  I do not understand why this is necessary.  My son has come to us begging for a phone for over a year because he feels left out.  I simply don't think this is necessary, or even a good idea.  Even if the phone cannot access the Internet, texting and picture messaging alone can get people into lots of trouble.  You don't have control over what other people send to you - in pictures or texts.  Don't even get me started on social media sites. . . or gaming. . .

I realize that I am in the minority here.  This is the world we live in.  I know that, at some point, I am going to have to allow the kids access to their own email accounts, trust them to use Facebook responsibly, and allow them to have cell phones.  What I don't know is when they are old enough to handle that responsibility.  I know that I can't shelter them forever, but nor do I want to open the door and invite trouble in, hoping that they are aware enough to recognize it and avoid it at all costs.  I don't know where the balance lies.  For now, I tell my son when he comes to me with all of the reasons that he thinks he "needs" a phone - that being different from your peers builds character.  He doesn't really appreciate that answer, but he does have to live with it.  And, he will probably have to live with it for much longer.  Maybe when he can pay for a phone, including the bill, he will be responsible enough to get one.

That may be worth considering. . .