The Tech Edvocate

Top Menu

  • Advertisement
  • Apps
  • Home Page
  • Home Page Five (No Sidebar)
  • Home Page Four
  • Home Page Three
  • Home Page Two
  • Home Tech2
  • Icons [No Sidebar]
  • Left Sidbear Page
  • My Account
  • My Speaking Page
  • Newsletter Sign Up Confirmation
  • Newsletter Unsubscription
  • Our Brands
  • Page Example
  • Protected Content
  • Register
  • Request a Product Review
  • Shop
  • Shortcodes Examples
  • Signup
  • Start Here
    • Governance
    • Careers
    • Contact Us
  • The Edvocate
  • Topics
  • Write For Us
  • Advertise

Main Menu

  • Start Here
    • Our Brands
    • Governance
      • Dr. Lynch’s Personal Website
      • Careers
    • Write For Us
    • Contact Us
    • Books
    • Edupedia
    • The Edvocate Podcast
  • Topics
    • Assistive Technology
    • Child Development Tech
    • Early Childhood & K-12 EdTech
    • EdTech Futures
    • EdTech News
    • EdTech Policy & Reform
    • EdTech Startups & Businesses
    • Higher Education EdTech
    • Online Learning & eLearning
    • Parent & Family Tech
    • Personalized Learning
    • Product Reviews
  • Advertise
    • Request a Product Review
  • Apps
  • Tech Edvocate Awards
  • The Edvocate
  • Pedagogue

logo

The Tech Edvocate

  • Start Here
    • Our Brands
    • Governance
      • Dr. Lynch’s Personal Website
        • My Speaking Page
      • Careers
    • Write For Us
    • Contact Us
    • Books
    • Edupedia
    • The Edvocate Podcast
  • Topics
    • Assistive Technology
    • Child Development Tech
    • Early Childhood & K-12 EdTech
    • EdTech Futures
    • EdTech News
    • EdTech Policy & Reform
    • EdTech Startups & Businesses
    • Higher Education EdTech
    • Online Learning & eLearning
    • Parent & Family Tech
    • Personalized Learning
    • Product Reviews
  • Advertise
    • Request a Product Review
  • Apps
  • Tech Edvocate Awards
  • The Edvocate
  • Pedagogue
  • The Brain Science Behind Immersive Learning

  • How To Create An Immersive Learning Environment

  • Prepare Your IT Department for an AI Skills Gap

  • Emerging Technologies for Tracking COVID-19 in Higher Ed

  • Screencasting Adds Engagement to K—12 Classrooms

  • 6 Resources for Teaching about Artificial Intelligence

  • How New Innovative Features in Classrooms Support EdTech

  • Distance Learning during the Pandemic: Improvise. Adapt. Overcome.

  • Universities Deploy Chatbots To Aid Students In The Admissions Process And Beyond

  • Generational Differences Affect Tech Initiatives In Higher Education

FeaturedFreshParent & Family Tech
Home›Featured›Dealing with Devices: The Parent-Teen Paradox

Dealing with Devices: The Parent-Teen Paradox

By Matthew Lynch
February 13, 2019
Spread the love

“Do as I say, not as I do” seems like a poor way to parent in today’s technology pervasive world.

Parents and children are addicted to their mobile devices more than ever. In fact, half of parents and teens report that they are addicted to mobile devices, and more than 65% check their devices every hour.

We have become a society dependent on digital devices. This dependency has created a parent-teen paradox: how do you tell your children to limit their exposure to digital devices when you can’t control your impulses.

The problem

Teens feel compelled to respond immediately to every message, text, email. Their compulsive behavior makes them susceptible to addiction.

The teenage brain is a still-developing organ, not yet fully capable of responsible decision-making. As Eric Jensen explains, the teenage brain is busy building myelin, the fatty insulation that allows the brain to develop its networks of connected neurons. Most importantly, brains work from the back to the front, and it is the front that forms last. The front of the brain, the pre-frontal and frontal cortexes, do not develop until teens reach their twenties.

Until then, all learning experiences help to develop the connections the brain will need. Unfortunately, the dopamine reward system in the brain can make some learning – like quick responses to digital messages – an addiction.

The parent-teen paradox of dealing with devices means limiting engagement with the tools parents encourage their children to use for staying in constant contact.

So what’s a parent to do?

The intervention plan

Boredom isn’t an excuse for turning to a mobile device for entertainment. It may be impossible to turn off technology entirely, but you can reduce reliance on it.

  • Limit the time spent with mobile devices.

As difficult as it may seem, it’s possible to live for a little while without a smart phone or tablet. As a family, determine the times during the week you can put away the tech toys. For example, what would dinner look like if no one brought their phones to the table?

  • Engage in alternative activities

Some of the most enjoyable activities do not involve using technology. Find something fun to do that doesn’t require a mobile device, whether that’s romping in the yard, tackling chores, or playing a board game. Set clear expectations about the time: ask everyone to commit to 60 minutes of tech-free time.

  • Put away your own devices.

You are your children’s role model. Before asking them to commit their undivided attention to a family meal or pastime, put down your mobile devices and show your children that there is plenty to do, even without technology.

If you’re willing to address the parent-teen paradox dealing with digital devices, you’ll be helping your children develop better thinking skills. Perhaps more importantly, you’ll all enjoy the social interaction.

 

 


Spread the love
Previous Article

Edtech Should Be About Learners, Not Investors

Next Article

Bridging the Disconnect Between Edtech Research and ...

Matthew Lynch

Related articles More from author

  • Assistive TechnologyFeaturedFresh

    Assistive Technology to Help Students with Learning Disabilities Succeed Academically

    November 21, 2018
    By Matthew Lynch
  • Early Childhood & K-12 EdTechFeaturedFreshPersonalized Learning

    Nine Strategies to Personalize Learning in Your Class Tomorrow

    February 5, 2019
    By Matthew Lynch
  • Child Development TechParent & Family Tech

    7 Must-Have Morning Routine Apps for Little Kids

    November 18, 2017
    By Matthew Lynch
  • FeaturedFreshGamification

    Gamification and the Blended Classroom

    December 10, 2018
    By Matthew Lynch
  • Early Childhood & K-12 EdTechEdTech Startups & BusinessesFeaturedFreshHigher Education EdTech

    An Insider’s View into the Edtech Market for Professional Development

    November 5, 2018
    By Matthew Lynch
  • FeaturedFreshParent & Family Tech

    Are You a Poor Parent If You Rely on Parenting Tech?

    February 1, 2019
    By Matthew Lynch

Leave a reply Cancel reply

  • Online Learning & eLearning

    The Silent Screen Supporting Introverted Students In The Online Classroom

  • EdTech News

    Brain-training apps just make you better at playing games

  • Early Childhood & K-12 EdTechHigher Education EdTech

    What is the Next Generation of Digital Learning Environments?

Search

Login & Registration

  • Register
  • Log in
  • Entries feed
  • Comments feed
  • WordPress.org

Newsletter

Signup for The Tech Edvocate Newsletter and have the latest in EdTech news and opinion delivered to your email address!

  • Recent

  • Popular

  • Comments

  • The Brain Science Behind Immersive Learning

    By Matthew Lynch
    March 5, 2021
  • How To Create An Immersive Learning Environment

    By Matthew Lynch
    March 4, 2021
  • Prepare Your IT Department for an AI Skills Gap

    By Matthew Lynch
    March 3, 2021
  • Emerging Technologies for Tracking COVID-19 in Higher Ed

    By Matthew Lynch
    March 2, 2021
  • Screencasting Adds Engagement to K—12 Classrooms

    By Matthew Lynch
    March 1, 2021
  • 20 Top Virtual Reality Apps that are Changing Education

    By Matthew Lynch
    March 11, 2017
  • 7 Ways Technology Is Impacting Modern Education

    By Matthew Lynch
    March 4, 2017
  • Why Mobile Technology Enhances Instruction

    By Matthew Lynch
    December 14, 2016
  • What is the Future of Online Learning in Higher Education

    By Matthew Lynch
    April 2, 2018
  • 7 Roles for Artificial Intelligence in Education

    By Matthew Lynch
    May 5, 2018
  • How To Create An Immersive Learning Environment - The Tech Edvocate
    on
    March 4, 2021

    3 Reasons Why AI Could Be Your New Teaching Sidekick

    […] Artificial Intelligence (AI) ...
  • Item Analysis and Other Exam Design Principles - The Edvocate
    on
    March 3, 2021

    Designing with Open Educational Resources (OER)

    […] and areas for ...
  • Prepare Your IT Department for an AI Skills Gap - The Tech Edvocate
    on
    March 3, 2021

    The 4 Types of Artificial Intelligence: What Educators Should Know

    […] universities and colleges ...
  • 6 Resources for Teaching about Artificial Intelligence - The Tech Edvocate
    on
    February 26, 2021

    China Is Teaching Children about AI in Kindergarten. Should the US Be Worried?

    […] possibilities which is ...
  • How New Innovative Features in Classrooms Support EdTech - The Tech Edvocate
    on
    February 26, 2021

    The Significance of Technology in Your School

    […] Dictionary defines “Innovative” ...

EdTech Policy & Reform

  • EdTech Policy & Reform

    How Much Bias Is Okay in Your School?

    Spread the loveThe algorithm has proven itself to be a handy tool when it comes to solving education problems. It’s also not without bias.  You may be wondering how some ...
  • EdTech Policy & ReformFeaturedFresh

    Edtech Should Complement Good Pedagogy, Not Attempt to Replace It

    Spread the loveThe newest generation of edtech is downright amazing; it’s no wonder that various education stakeholders might be a little excited about its potential to transform education. However, edtech ...
  • EdTech Policy & ReformFeaturedFresh

    How to Teach Kids to Communicate in This Digital Age

    Spread the loveWhen even the youngest children are spending the equivalent of a full work day looking at screens, it is perhaps no surprise that parents are wondering how to ...
  • EdTech FuturesEdTech Policy & Reform

    3 Reasons Why India Will Be A Leader in the EdTech Industry in the 21st ...

    Spread the loveAccording to a joint report by KPMG and Google, the online education industry is expected to grow at a healthy rate of 8 times to become a $1.96B ...
  • Early Childhood & K-12 EdTechEdTech Policy & ReformFeaturedFresh

    How Does Technology Immersion Shape the Brain?

    Spread the loveDo you wonder what all of the screen time we have is really doing to our brains? As edtech continues to rise in prominence throughout the world, this ...

EdTech Startups & Businesses

  • EdTech Startups & BusinessesOnline Learning & eLearning

    Using Nudge Theory in Your Corporate Online Learning Classes

    Spread the loveAfter reading this headline, you may be asking yourself, what is nudge theory? Nudge theory centers on positive reinforcement and inferred suggestions to motivate a person to complete ...
  • EdTech Startups & Businesses

    Bringing Education into the Business World

    Spread the loveU.S. businesses spent nearly $20 billion on training in 2019. That number decreased by roughly half from the year before. Companies aren’t providing fewer professional development opportunities for ...
  • EdTech Startups & Businesses

    You Must Include These 3 Things in Your Edtech Business Plan

    Spread the loveDo you have a business plan? It’s the one question you’re going to be asked a lot as you begin your edtech business. The reasons to write a ...
  • EdTech Startups & Businesses

    Edtech Marketing Ideas to Implement Right Now

    Spread the loveEven if you do have the most exceptional edtech product or service in the world, you’ve still got to market it. Your sales and your success depend on ...
  • EdTech Startups & Businesses

    How Your Edtech Startup Can Make the Leap from Failure to Funded

    Spread the loveThe best ideas in edtech are often only ideas. They never become a reality because they lack the funding they need to get off the ground. Taking an ...

Digital Equity

  • Digital EquityDigital Leadership

    How Can You Assess the Tech Needs of Your Students Outside of School?

    Spread the loveToday, I received an email from the middle school principal in Los Angeles. She explained to me that the school that she ran was in one of the ...
  • Digital Equity

    It Is Time for the Edtech Industry to Stop Denying Its Equity and Race Problem

    Spread the loveThe EdTech industry is dominated by white employees, white leaders, and white entrepreneurs. If you doubt this statement, just attend an Edtech conference. Admittedly, educators and others don’t ...
  • Digital Equity

    How OER Can Help Overcome the Higher Education Equity Barrier

    Spread the loveThe cornerstone of the American dream is the ability to succeed in life regardless of one’s family of origin. And, for most people, that requires a college education. ...

EdTech Futures

  • EdTech FuturesOnline Learning & eLearning

    IT Trends To Watch As Higher Education Moves Into a New Decade

    Spread the loveEdtech couldn’t have hoped for a better launch into the new decade than the push the industry received from COVID-19. Even the most tech-resistant institutions and individuals have ...
  • EdTech Futures

    4 Emerging EdTech Trends in 2021

    Spread the loveCovid-19 has not only changed education as we know it, but it has forced education technology (EdTech) to up its game. EdTech has been crucial since the start of this ...
  • Adult EducationEdTech & InnovationEdTech FuturesEducation LeadershipEducational LeadershipHigher EducationHigher Education EdTechThe Future of Education

    Education Technology and the Future of Higher Ed Leadership

    Spread the loveEducation Technology (EdTech) has had a more significant impact on education than anyone expected. Now its effects are reaching into the field of higher education. In this article, ...
  • EdTech Futures

    Top Edtech Trends for 2021

    Spread the loveAre you ready to look ahead? Schools will soon be reflecting on what’s been working this year and what’s not. They’ll also begin thinking about their budgets for ...
  • Early Childhood & K-12 EdTechEdTech Futures

    In the Wake of Teacher Shortages, Schools are Turning to Virtual Teachers

    Spread the loveTeaching was once a greatly respected position, and today, morally it still seems to be of high value to many Americans. Institutionally, however, teaching no longer seems to ...

About Us

Since technology is not going anywhere and does more good than harm, adapting is the best course of action. That is where The Tech Edvocate comes in. We plan to cover the PreK-12 and Higher Education EdTech sectors and provide our readers with the latest news and opinion on the subject. From time to time, I will invite other voices to weigh in on important issues in EdTech. We hope to provide a well-rounded, multi-faceted look at the past, present, the future of EdTech in the US and internationally.

We started this journey back in June 2016, and we plan to continue it for many more years to come. I hope that you will join us in this discussion of the past, present and future of EdTech and lend your own insight to the issues that are discussed.

Newsletter

Signup for The Tech Edvocate Newsletter and have the latest in EdTech news and opinion delivered to your email address!

Contact Us

The Tech Edvocate
5322 Markel Road, Suite 104
Richmond, VA 23230
(601) 630-5238
[email protected]

Follow us

Copyright © 2021 Matthew Lynch. All rights reserved.