Picture this—a busy parent, struggling to juggle a million tasks with an energetic child demanding attention. The room falls silent as they relinquish a smartphone or tablet. A recent survey found that this is becoming more common, and it’s a scene that many are too familiar with. Nearly 90% of parents in the META region (Middle East, Türkiye, and Africa) rely on electronic devices to keep their children occupied or under control, particularly when they are on the go or when they just need a break.
This engagement with screens starts at a very young age, according to a poll by cybersecurity firm Kaspersky. Half of all youngsters get their first personal device—a tablet or smartphone—between the ages of three and seven. These devices provide parents with peace of mind and ease, which is a godsend. However, a rising worry comes along with this relief.
Screens have become an integral part of kids’ lives, as kids themselves have admitted. An overwhelming majority of people (78%) said they would be completely lost without electronic devices like smartphones and gaming consoles. However, a disturbing truth lurks beneath the convenience. Almost a quarter of parents have admitted to not having a conversation about internet safety with their kids, leaving them open to the unspoken threats that lurk in cyberspace.
While experts agree that children shouldn’t have unrestricted access to technology, they stress the need for constant supervision. Setting boundaries is something that one expert stresses. Turning screen time into a positive experience is possible through limiting usage, establishing ground rules, and having discussions about online safety. For instance, parental controls have the ability to block access to malicious websites, stop unwanted downloads, and safeguard sensitive data from cybercriminals. These precautions are not considered as an indication of distrust, but rather as a means to guarantee accountability and security.
The takeaway for parents looking for a quick fix is that they need to strike a balance between convenience and caution when it comes to using electronics. Screens are a great way to keep kids occupied and entertained, but they can pose some safety risks if not properly supervised. Through the implementation of considerate and minor changes, technology has the potential to be a beneficial resource rather than a threat, paving the way for secure online exploration as well as genuine offline relationships.
In a world where screens are both helpful and harmful, this tale of contemporary parenting echoes a larger struggle: achieving balance in this technologically advanced society.
