Children and Technology

        For my blog I want to look at the impact different types of technology have on children.  Children today are growing up in a very different world than previous generations with technology constantly available at their fingertips.  According to the Kaiser Family Foundation the average kid (ages 8-18), spends over 7.5 hours a day using technology which breaks down to: 2.5 hours of music, about 5 hours of television and movies, 3 hours of internet and video games, and about 38 minutes of reading for a total of 75 hours a week.  With the growing use of technology there are both advantages and disadvantages for children.  If technology is used properly and with appropriate guidelines and boundaries being set by parents, children have the opportunity to benefit greatly from the current and emerging technologies.  However, if guidelines and boundaries are not put into place by parents then the different forms of technology can serve as major disadvantages for children.  It is important to realize the impact technology has on children because it is becoming more and more prevalent in society today.  Therefore it is important to realize how it is helping or harming children so that we can take full advantage of everything technology has to offer.