Should children begin using digital devices at a young age in 4.0 era?

Overusing digital devices will have a bad impact on a child. However, it is inevitable to keep a child away from those devices in this 4.0 era. We need to educate rather than forbid them and this article will show you how.

Some parents believe that allowing their children to use technology devices from a young age will not only make them addicted but also expose them to harmful information. However, in this technological era, technology plays a significant role in almost every field. The more modern technology is, the easier kids will be left behind if they are unable to use technology in the proper way.

Industry Revolution 4.0 has an impact on more than just education

In the intersection of 20 and 21 centuries, we have seen a great turning point in 2000 with the Industrial Revolution 4.0. This is more than just a digital revolution; it is an affirmation of human development, bringing many spectacular changes such as:

Direct impact on the labor market: machinery and technology have made significant contributions to the creation of products, services, increasing productivity, and improving workers' living standards, etc,.… Furthermore, many jobs will be replaced by machines as well as new jobs will be created to meet this innovative market demand.

Economy changed, directly affect businesses: production methods, service provision, innovation, and flexibility in each enterprise's research process are becoming increasingly diverse. These benefits companies that are constantly competing and growing. As a result of the 4.0 revolution, the economy has become more vibrant than ever.

Significant political changes: In the past, we could only learn about events through the media. Now, people have greater access to the government and can express their points of view easier than ever. Moreover, technology has shown its importance through working processes, policies, information management, and strengthening the systems. 

Education: In the past, children learned primarily academic knowledge; Now, after the Industrial Revolution 4.0, the curriculum focuses on basic knowledge, applied skills, self-learning ability, etc. Studying and human resources in this era do not require extensive knowledge, but students must be able to apply multi-skills, creativity, and critical thinking to adapt to the constant development.

A new “virtual world” was created during the Industrial Revolution 4.0

Following the 4.0 industrial revolution, a parallel world has emerged: the virtual world! Thanks to the Internet, social media, and technology, this new virtual world was created with the purpose of providing us with an unlimited human connection and information resources in the most convenient way.

Nowadays, the virtual world is expanding with more “users", information, and applications. Similar to “the physical world”, this “new” world contains both useful and harmful elements. It makes knowledge become borderless and flatten the connection among nationalities. On the other side, this digital world  also contains unusual information, toxic groups, and numerous pitfalls. 

Should children join the virtual world from an early age in 4.0 era? 

In our real world, the definition of "society" is a collection of countless different good and bad individuals. We have to admit that protecting children 24/7 from all the bad things on the internet is impossible even though we all try our best to do that. But there are certain ways to limit its negative impacts. And one of the most effective solutions is to teach children how to protect themselves at a young age.

Similarly, virtual worlds, while offering a wealth of information, functions, and benefits, are also fraught with danger. However, in the 4.0 era, when technology is present in almost all fields: manufacturing, industry, agriculture, health, education, research, business, and so on. Over and above that, technology is becoming increasingly advanced, developing, and non-stop innovating.

Prohibiting children from "entering" the virtual world is similar to "detaining" children, isolating them from outside society. As society evolves and life becomes more advanced and developed, children will fall behind and struggle to keep up with trends.

How can we keep children safe in the virtual world 4.0 era? 

One of the best ways to protect your child from pitfalls is to teach them how to recognize them. To achieve that, parents need to accompany and guide children to distinguish between what is right and wrong, as well as show them how to use technology properly. 

Parents can also allow their children to participate in technology classes at Algorithmics! Here we teach children how to:

• Use the most popular software, applications, and technology platforms in class. Then, it can be directly applied to learning, life, and as a stepping stone for future careers. 
• Learn how to search for and filter information from the endless source of knowledge.
• Recognize the significance of technology while also distinguishing the pitfalls and serious consequences of the virtual world if not using properly. 
• Develop multi-skills, especially soft skills and logical, critical, and creative thinking during building student’s projects.

Do not hesitate to contact Algo HERE to learn more about the technology skills course or to test your technological proficiency.

To learn more about the technology skills course or to test your technology level, please contact Algorithmics HERE!