Technology and Children – Is Pokemon Friend or Foe?
Children scream for ice cream and screentime too. But is technology as harmful as many assume or is it a necessity? Does using it mean a child is zoning out or could it mean they’re engaging? In this podcast, we discuss why screentime isn’t a black and white issue: inside the shades of gray is a child meeting his or her needs.
2:00 There are various opinions regarding screentime
3:05 We often worry that screentime is harmful to the brain, affecting relationships, promoting addictive behaviors, and disconnecting from the body
3:39 We can’t avoid technology: it’s everywhere
4:30 A world that is increasingly automated is inevitable
5:45 A children’s use of technology is a projection of adult use
7:00 Having a family discussion about technology use
7:51 Disconnection from others begins with disconnection from self
9:00 How are we regulating when using technology?
9:30 Using technology while sitting on a yoga ball or taking body breaks
10:45 Lisa discusses an experience with a client
13:20 Technology doesn’t mean zoning out
15:30 Dealing with a true addiction to technology is a separate issue
16:30 Can technology be brought into the playroom?
16:50 Lisa shares a story about how technology can be used to engage the mind and cultivate creativity
20:30 How does technology look in a therapy setting?
21:10 Treating technology like any other toy
24:30 Children use screentime to fulfill a need
