The Pandemic Has Also Affected Human Relationships
Over the past 20 years, we can find hundreds or even thousands of books written about parenting. However, with technology becoming the focal point of human life in recent years, books on parenting will need to be rewritten.
Especially during the pandemic period, we have observed that family relationships with children have started to deteriorate for various reasons over the past one and a half years. Although it varies by age group, console and computer games, social media usage, and video channels have begun to occupy a significant place in the lives of children and adolescents. Indeed, data shows that during the coronavirus period, the average daily internet usage time in our country has increased from 7–8 hours to as much as 10 hours.
From childhood to adolescence: speech delays, social isolation, introversion, a decline in academic performance, nutritional problems, obesity, behavioral issues, and many more...
Many solutions can be proposed here: setting boundaries for our children, planning social activities, implementing reward and punishment systems, limiting time, imposing restrictions through various software programs, etc. But are these measures alone sufficient? Of course not. As parents, how much attention do we pay to our own use of the internet, social media, and similar platforms?
Many studies indicate that internet, social media, and gaming addictions often begin by observing parents. When we look at the viewership rates of TV series and entertainment programs broadcast on television, we see a considerable audience. Where do children stand in this process while family members spend time watching such programs? They either share this time with their family members or engage in other activities in their rooms. Research shows that parental attitudes toward screen usage play a significant role in shaping children's behavior.
Another crucial point is the perspective of parents who say, "They use phones and tablets better than we do." Parents often perceive this ability as a sign of intelligence, leading to unrealistic expectations about their children and granting legitimacy to the use of phones and tablets. However, the fact that children today can effectively use digital materials is not, by itself, an indication of intelligence.
So, should we keep children completely away from screens?
Perhaps this is the most critical question. Today, the average daily time spent on smartphones is approximately five hours. In such an environment, how realistic is it to completely keep children away from screens? Especially with the pandemic, screens and the internet have become an integral part of education. Whether we wanted to or not, we have had to leave our children alone with these technologies for nearly two years. Yes, screen and internet usage has become a part of our lives and our children’s lives. Keeping them completely away or leaving them entirely unchecked are both incorrect approaches. Usage time should be determined according to age characteristics and should be monitored accordingly.
Solutions based solely on children's behavior are neither sufficient nor realistic. As parents, we must remember that our own attitudes and behaviors are a key determining factor.
Spc. Psy. Erdoğan Buhurci
