Introduction
The advent of digital technologies has brought profound changes to several aspects of human life, including education, social relationships and cognitive development. This article aims to discuss the implications of moderate and stipulated use of screens in shaping the personality of children and adolescents, analyzing the benefits and challenges associated with this practice.
The Use of Digital Technologies in Education
The integration of digital technologies into the educational environment has become an inevitable reality. Schools and universities have adopted these tools to improve the teaching and learning process, promoting digital literacy from childhood to high school. The use of computers, tablets and other electronic devices can facilitate access to information and the development of complex cognitive skills (Rodrigues, 2022).
However, the indiscriminate use of these technologies can lead to several problems, such as family conflicts, superficial relationships and learning difficulties. Excessive internet use can cause addiction, anxiety disorders and attention deficit, compromising the social and emotional development of young people (Nobre et al., 2021).
Benefits and Challenges of Moderate Screen Use
For the use of digital technologies to be beneficial, it is essential that it is moderate and regulated. Controlled exposure to educational apps and logic games can stimulate brain plasticity and promote cognitive development. Removing social media and notifications can help maintain focus and reduce distraction, allowing children to use screens productively (Mendonça et al., 2021).
On the other hand, a lack of regulation and supervision can result in negative consequences, such as the replacement of face-to-face social interactions with superficial virtual relationships. This situation can lead to social isolation and depression, since the illusion of companionship provided by social networks does not replace real human contact (Rodrigues, 2021).
The Role of Education in the Digital Age
Education must play a fundamental role in preparing students for the conscious and responsible use of digital technologies. Educational institutions need to adapt their methodologies to incorporate these tools in a way that promotes students’ learning and integral development. Training teachers to work in this new scenario is crucial, ensuring that they can mediate the use of technology effectively (Abreu, 2013).
Final Considerations
The use of digital technologies in the training of children and adolescents is a complex topic that requires a balanced approach. While screens can offer numerous educational and cognitive benefits, it is essential that their use is moderate and supervised to avoid the negative effects associated with excessive use. Education plays a central role in guiding this use, preparing young people for a future in which technology will be increasingly prevalent.
Reference:
ABREU, Cristiano Nabuco; EISENSTEIN, Evelyn; ESTEFENON, Susana G. Bruno. Living in this digital world: impacts on health, education and social behaviors. Porto Alegre: Artmed, 2013.
MENDONÇA, Rafaela Gois; VASCONCELOS, Geferson Messias Teles; SANTOS, Allan Dantas dos; TANAJURA, Diego Moura; MENEZES, Andreia Freire de. Effectiveness of interventions in reducing screen time: Systematic review. Research, Society and Development, vol. 10, no. 9, e22410918023, 2021.
NOBRE, Juliana Nogueira Pontes; SANTOS, Juliana Nunes; SANTOS, Livia Rodrigues; GUEDES, Sabrina da Conceição; PEREIRA, Leiziane; COSTA, Josiane Martins; MORAIS, Rosane Luzia de Souza. Determining factors in children’s screen time in early childhood. Science & Public Health, v. 26, no. 3, p. 1127-1136, 2021.
RODRIGUES, Fabiano de Abreu. How to develop a curious personality in children: formatting new memory engrams and consolidating information as a personality project. Latin Science Multidisciplinary Magazine, v. 5, no. 5, p. 9734, 2021.
