Tech Industry Workers Express Concern About Children and Technology Overuse

Most tech workers responding to a recent ASHA survey say they limit their own and their children’s use of technology. They also think prominent industry figures should speak out about tech overuse. Survey respondents were nearly 200 people who attended the 2018 International Consumer Electronics Show (CES) in January. As always, children who use low- and high-tech augmentative and alternative communication devices (AAC) should continue to use them at all times—and in an interactive way. Respondents felt strongly that tech overuse is an issue. Here are some survey highlights: 88 percent think prominent industry figures should speak out more about tech overuse. Nearly 67 percent said children should not be allowed to have their own personal tech devices until age 10 or older—this amid a societal environment where new tablets, smartwatches, and other devices are being heavily promoted for even the youngest children. Almost a third (30 percent) said children shouldn’t even use devices until age 10 or older. 68 percent see parental/household parameters as the most realistic solution to preventing kids’ tech overuse. 86 percent would attend a venue, restaurant or social gathering where personal device use is prohibited. A quarter use features, apps or devices to help manage the time they spend on their own devices “One of the most fascinating aspects of these results is that the very people who work to design and market these products seem to be very concerned abou...
Source: American Speech-Language-Hearing Association (ASHA) Press Releases - Category: Speech-Language Pathology Authors: Tags: Audiology News Speech-Language Pathology Advocacy Technology Source Type: blogs