Navigating the Digital World: Balancing the Benefits and Drawbacks for Children

Written by Yue

Year 12 at St Andrews International School, Sukhumvit 107

I usually agree with the statement that "using a computer every day can have more negative than positive effects on children" because it tends to harm the mental and physical health of young children. They are vulnerable to toxic online content or inappropriate material at an early age, which could have a long-lasting impact on their lives.

Moreover, sitting still in one place for extended periods is detrimental to their posture and may lead to muscle cramps. Without sufficient physical exercise or engagement in extracurricular activities, children lack the opportunity to ground themselves and develop successful relationships. Meaningful experiences and life lessons come from exploring the real world.

Young children have yet to fully explore the world around them. Allowing them to be excessively immersed in virtual reality through computers can create an unhealthy attachment to technology. Consequently, they may struggle with common tasks in the future due to an overreliance on technology, limiting their true potential.

The impact of computer use depends on the activities or games each child chooses. It can surprisingly bring positive consequences, such as improving creativity and acquiring additional knowledge through free academic platforms. It can also enhance communication skills when connecting with online friends. However, if children were suddenly exposed to the public with their current underdeveloped and naive mindset, they would be more susceptible to malicious tricks.

Despite these considerations, I believe children should not be completely isolated from technology under normal circumstances. Avoiding complete exclusion helps prevent the provocation of rebellious attitudes before adolescence and enables them to acquire essential skills for future academic and career advancement. It is about finding a balance between responsible use of technology and fostering other aspects of their development.