Navigating Dangerous Waters: The Use of Electronic Devices by Children

Navigating Dangerous Waters: 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.