Teaching children to control their devices require parents to be sure the children are ready. Do they have the background they need to manage their devices effectively?
In my book, User’s Beware-Stranger Danger Lurks Behind Children’s Screens, readers will learn whether their children are prepared for what lurks behind their screens.
The following is an assessment I encourage parents to consider before they place a device in their children’s hands.
Users Beware PDF
Digital Skills Readiness Assessment
Before you begin to read this book, use this assessment to evaluate your children’s readiness for independent use of their devices.
- Do your children have the emotional maturity to deal with what they might see on their devices?
- Are they tapped into how their bodies respond to emotions and outside stimulus?
- Are your children aware of the basic neuroscience principles built into all online apps?
- Do your children know how to communicate respectfully while making eye contact with those they are speaking with face to face?
- Can your children identify the multiple ways advertisers are enticing them?
- Do your children manage their time and distractions easily?
- Do they possess powerful critical thinking skills?
- Do your children see the filters and security on their devices as punitive?
- Do your children naturally express empathy?
- Are your children sleep deprived?
- Are your children aware that everything they say when their phones and other devices are on and when they search on-line is being recorded?
- Are your children aware of how Artificial Intelligence is created and how it works?
Dangers Inherent in Devices
Depression, stress, and anxiety are heightened in children who are addicted to their devices. On- line bullying, manipulation by game developers and advertisers, and social challenges are dangers parents need to address. The depletion of important brain chemicals by the games, such as dopamine, melatonin, and serotonin, affect attention, concentration, retention of learned material, and healthy sleep patterns.
The fact that AI is not a reliable source of information and that it can create Fake News that looks like a real celebrity by creates dialogue never said by that individual. Political campaigns have been using AI to create ads that may not be what the individuals said or did. The danger lies in users believing what is produced by the internet is real because it sounds creditable when it isn’t.
For more details, click on the link User’s Beware-Stranger Danger Lurks Behind Children’s Screens,