I think it’s time I face facts. I am a dinosaur. Oh, this isn’t about my age, this is about the fact that my children and some of my friends have hinted (or stated outright) that I’m behind the times when it comes to my children’s access to technology.
My children do not have cell phones, nor do I plan to let them have one any time soon. They do not have Facebook accounts, and in fact are rarely on the computer. We have a “family laptop” that they may use, with our express permission. Their accounts are parent-controlled, including the times that they may log in (between 7:00AM and 8:59PM). They don’t even have tvs in their rooms.
Lest anyone think I am a technophobe, they do have Zunes with the touch screens and Nintendo DS’s. But they are only permitted to use them on the weekends. Oh, and . . . Hello! You’re reading my BLOG, so I obviously do not object to technology as a whole.
Part of this is because I feel it’s my job as a parent to monitor how my children spend their time, and to what material they have access. All too often, I hear stories of kids being cyber-bullied, running up their parents’ phone bills, or sending/receiving inappropriate texts. I hear about kids (girls especially) who maintain contact with someone their parents have deemed a bad influence. I’ve seen evidence of this in the classroom, too. I have watched kids texting through their pockets, or by putting the phone in their desks while they fake reading. Yes, if I catch them, I send the phone down to the office. They know the rules.
I’m sure eventually, as my kids get older, I may find it necessary (or at least convenient) to adjust my stance on these things. And at that time, you will likely begin to tire of my tirades on the inevitable nonsense that will ensue. But for now, my archaic foot remains planted firmly in the ground.
No comments:
Post a Comment