Friday, May 14, 2010

Why You Need a Technology Basket

John Dyer wants you to put a technology basket in your home. And it sounds like he's on to something. Click here for the article.

My only question would be, with regard to the children mentioned in the article and their use of cell phones and the need to put them in the "technology basket", would be: At what age does a family feel it is appropriate or necessary to give a child a cell phone? I would suggest that there is no need for a child to have a cell phone prior to age 16 (the age at which most American States allow individuals to obtain their driver's license). Indeed, if a child does not have ADD (attention-depleting device), then there will be no temptation to use it at the dinner table or need to toss it in the "technology basket".

Mom and Dad should be responsible for setting the tone in the household--if they are addicts, the kids will learn to be addicts. If, however, they exercise control and moderation in their usage, and refrain from turning their children into technophiles at an early age, I would venture to guess that the children would learn to value family time, conversation, and other non-digital forms of leisure that will serve their intellects well and safeguard some habits that (hopefully) they will continue to pass on.

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