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​Turn Off the Technology

The View - May 06, 2022

When I think back to my childhood, I was riding bikes, playing games, going for bush walks, and having a lot of fun face-to-face with my friends. I then look at my own children today growing up in a society full of digital technology, social media, and multiple ways to chat online and consume content. Is it all bad? Do we need to completely get rid of it? 

Late last term, we were privileged to have Chuck Hagele visit our school from the United States to speak with our students and parents about learning how to 'own' technology, rather than becoming slaves to technology. He discussed the addiction to technology today in society and the presumed need to binge content. He shared that up to an hour a day of gaming, social media, or Netflix etc. can be relaxing, however, more than that amount of technology can come with negative consequences. 

Our children don’t need more time online; they need more time with us, their parents, and their friends. That’s not always easy in a world that thrives on busyness. Real life is harder than online life for our kids. They get to do things over without any real consequences in the online world. Chuck suggested a number of questions our kids should ask themselves before and after using technology. 

  • How long am I going to play or use technology?
  • How long did I actually play or use technology?
  • How do I hope to feel?
  • How did I actually feel?
  • Would something else have worked better? 

These are great questions for self-reflection, and they can open up communication with our children. 

In a world full of technology, here are some alternative activities we can pursue: 

  • talk to a friend;
  • quietly do things for other people;
  • get enough sleep;
  • get physical activity;
  • eat good food; and 
  • learn to be bored. 

It’s a challenge for children and adults alike, but I want to learn how to 'own' technology rather than be a slave to technology.

Mr Nathan Hill

Director of Learning and Innovation

0249770200

© 2022 Avondale School

119 Avondale Rd, Cooranbong NSW 2265, Australia

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