Last weekend, I found myself at my sister’s house watching my nephew completely absorbed in his tablet. My instinct? To gently suggest he put it down and go outside. But then I remembered my own journey from digital skeptic to someone with a more nuanced view.
Technology and kids—it’s a topic that sparks strong feelings among parents. I used to be firmly in the “screens are harmful” camp until I began researching for an article on digital literacy. What I discovered surprised me.
Journalist and author Anya Kamenetz recently shared her evolved perspective on children’s technology use. After years covering education technology, she’s come to believe our all-or-nothing thinking about screens might be misguided.
“I initially approached screens with the standard parental fear,” Kamenetz said during a recent interview. “But after looking deeper, I realized we’re asking the wrong questions about kids and technology.”
Her point makes perfect sense. Rather than asking whether technology is good or bad, we should consider how and why our children use their devices. Is that gaming session purely entertainment, or is it building problem-solving skills? Does that YouTube video teach something valuable?
Context matters tremendously. Research shows that children who use technology for creative purposes often develop valuable skills. Building in Minecraft or coding a simple game encourages spatial thinking and logical reasoning.
What’s truly harmful isn’t necessarily screen time itself but passive consumption without purpose. Children binge-watching random videos differs greatly from kids following a tutorial to create digital art.
Parental involvement makes all the difference. When we guide our children’s tech use and discuss what they’re experiencing online, we transform screen time into a learning opportunity. This approach teaches critical thinking about media from an early age.
“The reality is technology will be part of our children’s future,” notes child development specialist Dr. Jordan Miller. “Our job isn’t to shelter them completely but to help them develop a healthy relationship with digital tools.”
Balance remains key, of course. No expert suggests unlimited screen access, and Epochedge Lifestyle highlights that outdoor play and face-to-face interactions remain essential for development. Children need diverse experiences.
We should also consider what technology offers children who might otherwise feel isolated. For kids with certain disabilities or those living in remote areas, digital connections provide valuable social opportunities and learning resources.
The pandemic showed us both the benefits and drawbacks of children’s technology use. While excessive screen time caused real concerns, digital tools also enabled continued learning and necessary social connections during isolation.
Most experts now recommend a thoughtful, intentional approach to children’s technology use rather than strict time limits. Quality matters more than quantity when it comes to digital engagement.
So what does healthy tech use look like in practice? It means setting some boundaries but also engaging with your child about their digital experiences. Ask questions about that game they love or that YouTube channel they follow.
Parents can find excellent resources on Epochedge for navigating the complex world of children’s media. Expert recommendations and the latest news on digital wellness can help guide family decisions.
The next time you see a child engrossed in a screen, consider what might be happening behind that glowing display. They could be creating, learning, or connecting—not just consuming.
What matters most isn’t eliminating technology from our children’s lives but teaching them to use it intentionally. How might you start a conversation with your child about their digital habits today?
