Confused by all the messages about technology and children? You’re not alone! Is technology helping our kids learn and connect, or is it impacting their development? The truth is, it’s not a simple “good” or “bad” answer.
Neuroscience educator Kathryn Berkett recently presented to an engaged crowd at the Waihinga Centre an easy-to-understand presentation exploring how technology affects the developing brain. The free session was provided by Heartlands Martinborough and REAP Wairarapa and also thanks to the generous support of The Tindall Foundation.
Kathryn shared in her presentation that there are clearly some wonderful aspects of device use, however, research is also showing how devices are physically impacting the development of the brain, especially in the early years when development is most fundamental and rapid. The way we can do the best for our young minds as they develop, is to understand what impact these devices are having, so we can do our best to prevent and/or compensate
Myelination is a process in the brain where the connections between brain cells increase in speed due to repetition of information. The more these connections are repeated, the faster they become. This indicates that we need to be extremely aware of what is being repeated. Consider what they are seeing, feeling and hearing whilst they are online. Almost more important, consider what they are NOT seeing, hearing and feeling whilst they are online. The ‘normal’ learning of daily life can be missed when our young ones are on a screen. Faces, body shapes and behaviours of those around us model how normal life is. Online, our young people get repeated information that is changing how they see the world. Because of the early developmental phases being so important for development later on, Kathryn’s advice is to keep those under seven away from ALL small devices and also, that adults who are around those under seven years of age keep away from all small devices whilst with them. Research coming out around the impact of neglect that young people are experiencing due to parents’ addiction to their own devices is scary and will potentially be long lasting.
Kathryn’s advice is to keep those under seven away from ALL small devices and also, that adults who are around those under seven years of age keep away from all small devices whilst with them.
Kathryn says the best thing we can do for young developing brains, more particularly in the early years, but all through life, is to ensure we have lots of relational interactions and that we do lots of movement and sensory engagement. Relationship is essential for brain growth due to the need for safety. Movement and sensory activate brain-body connections and release BDNF which is essential for brain growth. When we sit still and passively engage with a device, we take away all this positive environmental input.
Kathryn has a Master of Educational Psychology, is a certified Neurosequential Model of Therapeutics Practioner and is currently studying towards a Masters of Applied Neuroscience through King’s College London. Find out more on her website www.engagetraining.co.nz
