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Navigating
Dangerous Waters |
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The Use
of Electronic Devices by Children There
is no question that it is becoming increasingly difficult to monitor and
negotiate children's use of electronic devices, internet usage, and complex
social media. While these are difficult areas for all families to
navigate, this is especially true for families who have children with special
needs. Often a systematic plan is needed to protect your child from the
dangers that these devices can create. Protecting
your child from inappropriate information that is available online and
through communications with others is of critical importance.
A study in 2007 found that 42 percent of all Internet users ages 10 to
17 are exposed to online pornography of various kinds. Fourteen percent
of all Internet users ages 10 to 17 actively seek out online pornography on a
regular basis.[1] "Sexting" is another
troubling behavior for children in which sexual messages or pictures are
texted by cell phone. The Pew Internet and American Life Project found
in 2010, that 75% of children ages 12 to 17 owned their own cell phone.
Of this group, 31% report having received a "sext" message, while
only 19% admit to having sent one.[2] In addition, it is very important for
parents to be aware how social networks like Facebook have altered the ways
in which children communicate. These networks can be challenging to
navigate as children often respond quickly and post information that can be
spread rapidly. This danger can be especially true for children who may
be more impulsive and not be able to understand the social implications of
saying something online. These messages can have lasting consequences
because once some information is posted, sometimes it cannot be deleted and
moreover, other children reading their messages are not likely to forget.
These sites can also create an atmosphere in which children can be targeted
and bullied. Another important issue related to
electronic devices is the increasing evidence that suggests that these
devices are dangerous to children. In a recent edition (March, 2011) of
Time magazine, an article stated that "Manufacturers maintain
that mobile phones meet government standards for safe radio-frequency
radiation emission, but enough studies are beginning to document a possible
increase in rare brain tumors, migraines and behavioral disorders in children
to cause concern."[3] Experts from the World Health
Organization have concluded that children demonstrate greater susceptibility
to some toxins and physical agents and that precautionary measures should be
taken to limit children's exposure to electromagnetic fields.[4] A recent study also found that radiation
from mobile phones delays and reduces sleep and causes headaches and
confusion. "The research, sponsored by the mobile phone companies
themselves, shows that using the handsets before bed causes people to take
longer to reach the deeper stages of sleep and to spend less time in them,
interfering with the body's ability to repair damage suffered during the
day. The findings are especially alarming for children and teenagers,
most of whom-surveys suggest-use their phones late at night and who especially
need sleep. Their failure to get enough can lead to mood and
personality changes, ADHD-like symptoms, depression, lack of concentration
and poor academic performance."[5] A study published in July of 2008
in Epidemiology, found that pregnant women who used handset cell phones,
which generate low levels of non-ionizing radiation, were more likely to have
children with behavior issues after birth.[6] The researchers also found that
children who were more frequent cell phone users were 80% more likely to have
behavioral issues. Many countries outside the US including Germany, the
United Kingdom, France, and the Scandinavian countries have already taken
steps to decrease cell phone use among pregnant women and young
children. These countries are taking a precautionary approach and allow
children to use cell phones only in emergencies.[7] Although there are many dangers regarding
electronic devices several strategies are available to manage these devices
safely. The following tips can help to keep your children safe
regarding managing electronic devices: 1.
Make
decisions regarding what you feel your child is ready to handle. Many
families will decide that their child isn't emotionally ready to have things
like a cell phone, an email address, or a Facebook account. 2.
Have
clear expectations and guidelines for the use of electronics. Typical
rules include that children can only use devices in common areas of the
house, a parent can look at the device at any time, and have random checking
of email, Facebook, or internet usage to monitor your child's behavior and
posts, etc. 3.
Some
families will let their children email or make Facebook posts, but will
require that a parent reads all submissions before they are sent to protect
children from sending inappropriate or damaging posts that could hurt them
socially. 4.
Limit
your child's exposure to these devices since children should spend time in
other enrichment activities daily. 5.
Use
parental controls on all electronic devices to regulate content that children
can access. Along with these controls, some applications are available
to assist parents in limiting their children's ability to seek out
information as well as to utilize their phones during inappropriate
times. I know one savvy parent who has also developed her own app to
regulate her child's cell phone usage. 6.
Discuss
internet and electronic safety with your children on a regular basis. 7.
Explore
ways to limit your child's exposure to electromagnetic frequencies when
utilizing these devices. I personally use several products from Gia
Wellness as a way to limit my exposure to electromagnetic frequencies. Helping children to navigate the safety
concerns and complexities of engaging in social media is one of the most
important ways that you can help your child. Please stay vigilant and
remember this crucial role you can play for your child. |