Abigail Schweitzer

Professor Leech
ENGL 2089
September 24, 2015
Children and iPads?
The media addiction is affecting an increasing number of young children, and is
appearing in a growing number of mediums, including phones, tablets, and laptops. Children are
becoming both more dependent on technology and increasingly obsessed with their social media.
There are both positive and negative affects of the technology trend that parents and researchers
have found through studying how these children respond in situations, like using iPads in the
classrooms. However, with the youngest generation growing up in a society that is glued to their
smartphones and craving new innovations that make life easier constantly, its unsure of what the
future will hold for them.
There are a great number of issues that arise when children are so dependent on media
and technology, and it has many parents both concerned and at a loss. Growing up, it appeared
that the main addiction to media was shown through the excessive use of video games and
computer games. Both boys and girls would play these games for hours upon hours. During this
time, one of the biggest concerns among parents was the potential violent influence the games
could have on young children. In an interview with Dr. Phil, its stated the American
Psychological Association says playing violent games correlates to children being less caring and
helpful toward their peers. And these effects happen just as much for non-aggressive children as
they do for children who already have aggressive tendencies. (Dr. Phil) There is also a fear that
a childs lack of empathy when killing someone in a video game will translate into the real world

when they are older. They could become numb to the fear and sadness that one should feel when
dealing with these morbid situations. While this has been, and continues to be, a prevalent
problem with children and the media, a different problem has been emerging in recent years that
has many people worried.
Children are becoming increasingly connected in the world through the use of cell phones
and tablets. According to Child Guide Magazine, A survey by a leading coupon brand has
revealed that the average age of a first time cell phone owner is six years old, with 53% of
American children owning a cell phone by the time their seventh birthday arrives. (Child Guide
Magazine) The following table shows even more findings of childrens use of various forms of
technology:
Type of Technology

Percent of children between 6 and 11 that

own this item

Cell Phone
96%
Own TV/Sound System
83%
Tablet
75%
Handheld games console
71%
eBook Reader
65%
The assumption was that children in the study that were over 12 all already had
cellphones as well. In spite of the negative affects the technology addiction has on young
children, there are many benefits and practical reasoning with giving a child access to phones
and tablets. For example, many parents had security concerns as one of their most important and
influential when deciding to give their child a phone. There also is an increasing number of
schools that are using technology and media as means to improve the quality of education that
children of all ages are receiving. (Child Guide Magazine)
Often times the media and technology addiction receives a bad appearance, however
using tools such as tablets and laptops in the classroom is allowing for easier understanding of

certain topics and increased productivity. My younger siblings, in middle school, received brand
new laptops that they can use during class and at home. Also, in an article in the New York Times
Magazine, a father discusses the new program coming to his daughters school that will
introduce iPads into the classroom for the students. He quotes, I recognize that iPads, if
introduced with a clear plan, and properly supervised, can improve learning and allow students to
work at their own pace. (New York Times Magazine) However, parents recognize that this will
be a very delicate situation since children are easily both distracted and fascinated by technology.
Even college students can become distracted when they are taking notes during class. Yet,
allowing children access to the internet allows for broader knowledge and can aid with both
learning and teaching. The vague line that separates the pros and cons of the media addiction
continues to create debate over both the positive and negative short-term and long-term effects
on young children.
There are a variety of consequences that arise from the constant use of and exposure to
technology and media that not only affect children, but people of all ages. According to
ProCon.org, social networking sites have been proven to help students perform better in the
classroom, however, students that are heavy social media and technology users have lower
grades on average. The number one con, this particular website believe is most important, is the
spreading of false or untrue information through social media. This can especially become
dangerous with children, as they are generally more nave and innocent. They also dont
understand how hard it is to have privacy on social networking sites, which is the second biggest
con stated. Children just arent always mature enough to fully understand the significance of
using technology and social media everyday. (ProCon)

To sum up, there are both good and bad effects when discussing the effects of the social
media and technology addiction that is plaguing younger children. Increased use of technology in
the class can improve the quality of learning, yet can also create another distraction for students.
The addiction, at least during my generation, placed more emphasis on playing computer and
video games, however, the generation of kids now are becoming more dependent on social
networking and having constant access to technology like phones, tablets, and eReaders. (Media
Addiction) Advice from an article called Media Addiction states that parents should learn to
control the exposure to media, though, others believe technology should be embraced and more
effectively implemented into society to better improve the future.

Works Cited
Almond, Steve. "My Kids Are Obsessed With Technology, and Its All My Fault." The
New York Times. The New York Times, 22 June 2013. Web. 26 Sept. 2015.

"Media Addiction." Media Addiction. Web. 26 Sept. 2015.

"Most American Children Have a Cell Phone by the Time They Turn Seven | Child Guide
Magazine." Most American Children Have a Cell Phone by the Time They Turn Seven | Child
Guide Magazine. Web. 26 Sept. 2015.

Phil, Dr. "Dr. Phil.com - Advice - Children and Violent Video Games." Dr. Phil.com Advice - Children and Violent Video Games. Web. 26 Sept. 2015.

"Social Networking ProCon.org." ProConorg Headlines. Web. 26 Sept. 2015.