Modern digital technology is having both positive and negative impacts on children. Younger children are being exposed to technology like TV, mobile devices, and the internet at earlier ages. Some studies have found negative effects like decreased attention spans and reduced creativity from excessive screen time. However, educational apps and games can also provide interactive learning environments. While cyberbullying is a concern, video games may improve attention and skills in some areas. Overall, digital technology can be beneficial or harmful depending on how it is used with children.

1. The Impact of Modern
Digital Technology
on Children
By: Daniel Morgan
Image by double-h

2. Children these days are exposed to VAST amounts of
technology at YOUNGER and YOUNGER ages with each
passing year.
Image by flickingerbrad

3. Image by po1yester
In 2006, 90% of parents reported that their children younger than 2 years
of age had consumed some form of electronic media.

4. Image by emilylt
In the United States a survey concluded that almost a THIRD of
children 2-3 years old had a television IN THEIR BEDROOM.

5. Image by MrPessimist
Another survey
found that
83% of
middle school
children, 39%
of fifth graders,
and 20% of
third graders
had their very
own mobile
device

6. Image by Michael of Scott
But, how
does all this
tech exposure
affect these
children?

7. Studies have found that exposure to digital technology can
affect children in both POSITIVE and NEGATIVE ways.
Image by Kate Dreyer

8. One negative impact
of this new digital era
is a lack of FOCUS
and a decreased
attention span in
children.
Image by thills1988

9. Image by natala007
Studies have found that children exposed to the internet have their
brains wired to FOCUS FLEETINGLY on any one thing and
lack the ability to do one task for an extended period of time.

10. Image by Frank Gruber
It has also been shown
that the
TELEVISION is
KILLING the
CREATIVITY
within children because
it provides all visuals,
leaving little to the
IMAGINATION.

11. Image by v i p e z
With the advent
of the digital age
children have also
been negatively
impacted
physically.

12. Image by polaire801
Children on average
spend about 7
hours a
day interacting with
some form of
technology.

13. Image by MRHSfan
That is 7 hours that could have been spent
playing outside with friends or enjoying
some sports.

14. Image by nicolee_camacho
Modern digital
technology doesn’t
just negatively affect
child brain
development and
physical
development. It can
also have an
EMOTIONAL
impact.

15. Image by TheBeachSaint
One major cause of this emotional impact is CYBER
BULLYING, which has caused numerous children PAIN
and SUFFERING every year.

16. Image by Frank Reese
However, even though a number of problems have been brought
about by modern digital technology, there have been many
POSITIVE outcomes created by it as well.

17. Image by Dennis Burger
VIDEO GAMES have actually shown many positive results in the
development of children, such as: increased attention spans, improved visual
and spatial capabilities and better reaction times.

18. Another
POSITIVE
aspect of
digital
technology is
educational
games and
apps.
Image by flickingerbrad

19. Image by flickingerbrad
Educational apps
and games
provide a great
interactive
environment
for kids to learn in,
and provides lessons
in all sorts of
subjects.

20. Image by Guy Fawkes
Due to the amazing power of digital technology, educational apps can easily be used all around the
world, including DEVELOPING COUNTRIES. Some companies are trying to start programs to get
educational apps into the hands of children in developing countries so that they can learn just as well
as those in first world countries.

21. Image by Michael Salisbury
Overall digital technology is both amazing and destructive at the same time. Whether it
is amazing or destructive depends on how it is used. But, hopefully as the world ages
people will learn how to use digital technology only for good.

22. Image by theloushe
Creating a happy
and healthy digital
world for all
children.

23. Sources
• http://www.nytimes.com/2012/11/01/education/technolog
y-is-changing-how-students-learn-teachers-say.html?_r=2&
• http://bits.blogs.nytimes.com/2013/03/31/disruptions-
what-does-a-tablet-do-to-the-childs-mind/
• http://pediatrics.aappublications.org/content/128/5/1040.f
ull
• http://www.psychologytoday.com/blog/the-power-
prime/201212/how-technology-is-changing-the-way-
children-think-and-focus
• http://www.psychologytoday.com/blog/the-power-
prime/201304/is-big-media-slowly-killing-our-children
• http://news.cnet.com/8301-1023_3-57411576-93/one-fifth-
of-third-graders-own-cell-phones/
All images are sourced from flickr with Creative Commons
Licenses.