The UK Telegraph is reporting today that a new study of early grade teachers shows children are becoming less prepared for school because of constant interaction with their parents' smartphones. Let me show you my surprised face...
Teachers are finding that young children are lacking in social skills and are displaying higher rates of speech problems than ever before. One head teacher said, “There is limited parent/child interaction. Four year-olds know how to swipe a phone but haven't a clue about conversations." The article also states that "levels of reading, writing and numeracy were lower than they should be."
Yes, the ever-advancing technology available at our fingertips is awesome, and I understand that parents need peace and quiet so they shove their phones in kids' hands to shut them up. But this is the result. Our children are not prepared for school because parents have fewer conversations with them and spend less time practicing valuable academic and life skills.
Do your kid a favor. Put the phone away. Your family bond will be stronger and your kid will be smarter. Sounds like a pretty easy sacrifice to me.
Yes, the ever-advancing technology available at our fingertips is awesome, and I understand that parents need peace and quiet so they shove their phones in kids' hands to shut them up. But this is the result. Our children are not prepared for school because parents have fewer conversations with them and spend less time practicing valuable academic and life skills.
Do your kid a favor. Put the phone away. Your family bond will be stronger and your kid will be smarter. Sounds like a pretty easy sacrifice to me.