In today’s world, technology has become an essential part of our lives. Smartphones, tablets, computers, and the internet are no longer only used by adults but also play a major role in children’s daily lives. Especially in recent years, children’s relationship with screens has changed significantly, which brings new responsibilities for parents.
The Parent Awareness Seminar, organized within the Sustainable Technological Adaptation Project (SETAP) in cooperation with Yeditepe University and Ataşehir Municipality, focuses exactly on this issue: helping parents become more aware of technology and guiding their children in the right way.
Let’s take a closer look at this topic.
Today, children are introduced to the digital world at a very early age. This makes the role of parents more important than ever. At this point, concepts such as parental awareness and sustainable technology use are highly important both individually and socially.
Parental awareness means that parents can consciously guide their children’s relationship with technology. Children today can access information very quickly through smart devices. However, this also creates certain risks. Uncontrolled and long screen time, digital addiction, cyberbullying, and exposure to inappropriate content require parents to take a more active and informed role. Therefore, it is important for parents not only to set limits but also to act as guides. Open communication, listening to children, exploring the digital world together, and teaching safe internet use are key elements of this process.
Today’s children are often called “digital natives.” This means that technology has been part of their lives since birth. For this reason, their relationship with screens is very different from previous generations. Children no longer use screens only for playing games, but also for learning, communicating, and entertainment. However, this can also lead to an uncontrolled increase in screen time.
Long periods of screen use can reduce children’s attention span and cause concentration problems. It can also affect emotional development. Issues such as impatience, weaker social relationships, and lack of empathy may appear. From a physical perspective, inactivity, sleep problems, and eye health issues can occur. In recent years, increasing attention has been given to the possible connection between early screen addiction and conditions such as attention deficit, hyperactivity, and autism.
At this point, it is important to highlight one key fact: playing games on a screen is not the same as playing outside. Time spent in front of a screen limits a child’s physical activity and social interaction. On the other hand, a child who plays outside is physically active, develops social skills, learns problem-solving, and uses their imagination more actively. The important point here is not to ban screens completely, but to create a healthy balance.
In this process, the most important role belongs to parents. Children learn their relationship with technology from their families. Therefore, parental awareness is essential. Parents’ own screen habits directly influence their children’s behavior, because children tend to imitate what they see. If parents are constantly using their phones, it becomes more difficult to limit the child’s screen time. For this reason, parents should first reflect on their own habits.
To guide children properly, some basic steps should be taken. First, healthy digital boundaries should be set. Screens should not be completely banned, but used within clear rules. Daily screen time can be limited, device use during meals can be avoided, and screens should be kept away before bedtime. In addition, children should be offered alternative activities. Sports, arts, outdoor activities, and family games help children connect with the world outside the screen.
Instead of completely rejecting technology, it is better to use it consciously. Parents can use applications together with their children, evaluate content, and guide them in this process. This approach creates a safe environment and strengthens the bond between parent and child. It is also important to develop children’s self-management skills, such as managing their time, taking responsibility, and controlling their behavior. These skills help children use technology in a more balanced way.
In fact, technology is neither completely harmful nor completely beneficial. What matters is how we use it. When used properly, it supports learning and increases creativity. However, when used without control, it can lead to addiction and negatively affect development.
In conclusion, raising children in the digital age requires awareness and responsibility. The role of parents is not to forbid technology, but to guide its use correctly. With a balanced and conscious approach, children can benefit from technology while still staying connected to real life. That is why, if you do not want technology to control your child in the future, you should start building awareness today.