An apple a day keeps the doctor away…well it depends what kind of apple you are using!!!!
Our third debate was “Is Technology making our kids unhealthy”. Is it technology that is making our children unhealthy or is it society and the current “detached” lifestyle many people are living in. As I’ve mentioned before (I apologize… early learning is my passion so I talk about it in everything I do)… “play” is how children learn, and there is not enough play happening in our society today.
Source – First5california.com
Our great debaters brought some good discussions and points to consider for this topic. All of our choices ultimately affect our health both mentally and physically. I believe that children need to play more, but I see more children on technology – so to me I have to say “YES!!!! Technology is unhealthy for our students-sometimes”. However, there are many benefits in using technology and we can’t just throw it away and say “no more technology”.
I enjoyed the
article by Lindsay Holmes. There are some interesting physical and mental health factors that I had never thought of before. “Text Claw”! I’m so happy to see that it’s a real thing… well not officially, but it’s there! I developed a terrible case of tendonitis when I was pregnant and I still have difficulty writing, picking things up and holding my phone. I love to
crochet (check out my facebook page), but had to stop because of the pain. It’s gotten a bit better since stopping that, but I wonder if I had given up my phone if it would be even better now… but could I give up my phone?
Technology Causes Obesity!?! Well I don’t think it causes obesity, but I don’t think it’s helping either. Sitting in front of the T.V. or computer screen all day is going to have a
negative effect on your body. Some is causes our children to choose unhealthy choice because of the commercials they see and some is reactive, like snacking while watching T.V.
The article
Split Image was very moving for me. Depression is very complex and affects so many people, in all walks of life. In her digital world she appeared picture perfect, yet in reality she was having some serious struggles and anxiety. Technology can have serious affects on our mental health. Luckily people are beginning to spread the world about mental health in hopes to end the stigma and get people talking. Online support groups are great motivators and recovery supports for many people.
My favourite stories are stories of kids doing awesome things and the
Buddy Project created by Gabby Frost, a 16-year-old from Pennsylvania, USA, is one of those great stories. She demonstrates a great way to use technology to benefit people’s health. You think that’s a great story… this story about a
Valedictorian posting kind words about his classmates on Instagram is probably my favourite feel good tech story! It’s a “like” and “share” for sure. What a wonderful way to connect and do something positive. I would love to see this happen in one of our schools!
Konner Sauve told his classmates he had been posting to the secret account for nearly an entire year. “I wanted to focus on the better aspects of people,” the teen told the news outlet. “To shed a positive light on each individual, make them feel appreciated, and to know that someone cares.”
Using technology doesn’t make our kids unhealthy, but it can become unhealthy for us if we abuse it and don’t know how to use it appropriately. Schools offer a great place to begin the conversation about technology awareness-benefits and things to consider. If we teach about technology safety in schools, we can change the way people think and use it.
I don’t own a “FitBit” but I’ve been imagining what my “TechBit” would be telling me right now after spending a week plugged into technology between 2 blog posts, reading, commenting and prepare for my own debate tomorrow….
Let’s see My TechBit is telling me I’ve reached my limit for technology time and my computer is about to self distruct in 3, 2, 1… good-bye!
Lisa Cooper 
I’m glad to see I’m not the only young grandma! I love crocheting, too!
I really like your idea of a “techfitbit”. Wow would mine be embarrassing. You also brought up some very good points from the article “Split Image” as well. Depression is becoming such an overwhelming thing to deal with in schools due to so many factors. We really need to take care of our mental wellness.
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I looks at crocheting as one of my forms of play! Thanks for your comments. I wouldn’t doubt if someone does make a techfitbit some day. Haha!
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Wow, I really enjoyed your post. The tag line caught me right away!!
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Thanks for reading and for your comment! ☺
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Great post Lisa! You make a good point when you say technology doesn’t make our kids unhealthy, but it can become unhealthy if we abuse it. I think there is a fine line, and I agree we need to be cautious as to how we are using it. I use technology in a lot of ways to keep healthy and active, but I also use it in many ways that are unhealthy. I guess it’s all about balance.
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I agree, it’s our choices involving technology which can be unhealthy. Our inability to limit tech use can also lead us to technology. I think they key is seeing as much value in other experiences, such as play, as we do in being engaged with tech.
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2 things….
First, I totally agree that there is not enough play for our young children today. When you consider how the brain develops, this is scary, because we can’t readily see what the results of this change will be decades from now.
Secondly, what a shame you can’t crochet anymore. The booties you made for my first daughter are still getting great wear these days with baby number two! I often get compliments on how cute they are! Hopefully it’s something you can pick up again in the future! 🙂
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