Technology is a part of our everyday lives, and it's only going to get more integrated into our children's worlds. People use it in virtually every facet, from communication and entertainment to education and work. However, the unfortunate reality is that it also affects children's development in ways both positive and negative.
By 2020, there will be more jobs in the STEM field than any other, as per a study. It means that it is vital for all of us to help our kids get a head start on their future career goals and make sure they are well-prepared to take advantage of these opportunities.
Indeed, raising kids in this digital era is not an easy task. It can be challenging to teach them how to use technology responsibly, especially if they still learn to read and write.
Luckily, there are many ways that parents can help their kids become tech ninjas by making sure they have a good understanding of what it means to use technology responsibly. We need to start early with the right resources to teach them how to navigate this new world. In this blog post, there are seven ways to help your kid become a Tech Ninja!
Who Are "Tech Ninjas"?
"Tech Ninjas" are kids who use technology and social media with the best of them. They know how to navigate and document their lives in a way that is personal, easy to digest, and inspiring to others.
They have access to the latest technology and develop a unique style of using various types of devices. A study finds that children who use different technologies more often during the day, such as computers or smartphones, show better eye-hand coordination and perform significantly better on reading comprehension and mathematics tests. Their decision-making skills were also strong when they had a wide range of experience with these technologies.
Children learn the most from face-to-face contact with people they know in person, but their initial contact with new information is more likely through digital media.
7 Easy Ways That Can Help Kids Become Tech Ninjas
Here are seven easy ways that can help kids transition from becoming dependent children to tech-savvy individuals:
1. Engage Them With After-school Tech Activities
When you enrol your kid in after-school programs such as robotics or coding club, they get their dose of fun with technology as well as practical learning at the same time. Kids here can also mentor other kids through projects and work on solving problems together, just like a team that helps them build up better communication skills than before and improves social interactions. Additionally, this will also give your kid an opportunity to see how they can use technology to make lives better and easy.
2. Teach Them How To Use Technology Safely
Most parents now rely on technology such as GPS trackers and GSM alarms because they can keep their children safe all the time while they are away from them. You may use these technologies for a good cause and teach your kids how to use them in moderation to avoid any mishap while using them. Teach them how to check their route before departing, the dangers of talking to strangers online, and how to take care of themselves until they reach there safely.
3. Do Not Make Your Child Shy Away From Technology Because Of Fear
It would help if you didn't let fear or lack of technology knowledge affect your kid's interest in it because without learning anything about this field, their future may be left uncertain. So instead, make sure you include technology lessons in schools so that your children learn more about these gadgets early in their lives.
These topics are now part of the syllabi of most schools, but if your child's school does not offer such lessons, help them out on your own and teach them how to use technology safely and efficiently.
4. Create A Technology-friendly Environment At Home
If you restrict the gadgets that kids can play with, they will naturally become interested in it even more and may try to find every excuse possible to sneak some time for themselves with these devices. So instead, keep yourself updated about new technologies such as Bluetooth trackers so that you can monitor all the activities of your kid while they are not around you. This way, you can ensure their safety without any hassle or tension while at home or away from you.
5. Role Model Positive Attitudes To Technology
When your kids see you opening up about how excited you are while using these devices, they will naturally try to understand your behaviour and emulate it in some way or the other. So instead of being judgemental about new gadgets or making wrong jokes about them, show them how harmless and positive technology can be when used effectively.
Also Read: Curiosity, Creativity, and Criticism: Why This Combination Is Essential In The Innovation process?
6. Discuss The Good And Bad About Technology
For children, it is essential to be aware of technology's good and bad aspects. Teach them to think critically about everything that surrounds them so that they don't just accept the first thing that comes to their mind without questioning anything else.
Ask them why the same product costs differently in different stores, what difference it makes to them, and how it affects them. It will help them understand things better in the future rather than just accepting what people say as the truth all the time.
7. Let Them Play With STEM Toys
STEM stands for Science, Technology, Engineering, Mathematics, and now even Arts is a part of it. These toys come under this class of toys, which help children learn about science and math and develop their motor and social skills. There are tons of online resources that can help you choose the best toys for your child so they can play with them.
Conclusion
With so many advancements in technology happening every day, children need to be familiar with the latest trends.
Give them access to new technology that will allow them to create interactive content on screen. Help your kids become tech ninjas by sharing what you know about computers by teaching them basic skills, navigating menus, and using productivity software. These are all simple steps that will encourage children's creativity- without too many complicated gadgets.
Do any of these ideas resonate with you? What other resources would you suggest for parents looking to give their kids some valuable advice? Let us know in the comments section below!