It used to be that most parents did their best to present and model for their children behavior that would teach them appropriate language, actions, respect, and accountability. They did their best to protect their young children from the scary things in the world and people who lacked a moral compass. They never argued in front of their children and only allowed them to watch age-appropriate shows.
They wanted their children to grow up in innocence. Children deserve to keep their innocence as long as possible. Because when it is gone, it is gone forever.
Are you protecting the innocence of the child or children in your care?
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They took the time to explain and guide them through the muck when they were old enough to understand and navigate through it. When a child is still young enough to believe what their parents say and follow their guidance.
In your opinion, how old is old enough to understand an adult focused social issue?
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The parents of young children today were either not born yet or too young to remember that certain things held value differently before the 2000s.
Though a number of things have improved our lives over the years. There are certain changes that are destroying our society.
The parents of young children today have grown up in a world that gets its news and guidance by what they see on social media, movies, and music. Believing life was always this way. But it was not.
How do you think your life experience has affected how you care for children?
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The beginning of the 2000s brought changes in language, actions, respect, accountability, classroom behavior, and home life. This includes more aggressive behavior found in some classrooms by younger children.
Most notably, certain 4-year-old preschool classrooms up through elementary school, middle school, high school and college.
There has been an increase in injuries to other students and teachers. Throwing furniture, refusing to listen to the teacher, throwing equipment, knocking over furniture, shouting, and swearing at fellow students and teachers. There has been a rapid slide into a sad place in educational programs.
The beginning of the 2000s Brought Changes.
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One young child with self-regulation issues can be supported successfully by one teacher and staff. An increasing number of classrooms are finding two or more children needing direct assisted care.
Adding another trained teacher in the classroom is beneficial to support these children and keep the other children in the classroom safe physically and emotionally. Adding another experienced teacher in the classroom can make a dramatic difference.
What Happened?
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During the transition into the 2000s, as teachers, we observed and discussed the changes in media and the advent of social media in real time. Creators flooded their platforms and shows with inappropriate, rude behavior, disrespect for others, posting violence, chaos, and unaccountability. Often giving a skewed representation of people, events, cultures, and communities.
Whether we are aware of it or not, what we experienced, viewed, or taught growing up formed the adults we became. This process continues. Today, many young children are learning how to make meaning of their experiences and people through social media instead of connecting with their family. It informs their behavior, opinions, and biases.
Very young children who have regular unsupervised access to social media are being influenced and absorbing this information as truth, and believe it is real. Manipulating their minds and creating the adults they will become. What kind of adults will they become?
How does your use of devices affect caring for children? Can you put it down without discomfort?
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It is common today to see people pull out their phones and start recording events and people they do not know. Invading a person’s privacy during their most traumatic events and posting them online. At the same time, they rarely get involved in helping someone in need. They are too busy filming.
Some people are filming their children and using them to get likes, subscriptions, and revenue on social media. Monetizing their children without their consent or concern for their safety.
If you saw someone being harassed or assaulted, would you try to help or would you start recording?
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It does not appear that this media shift was to promote or report on what was true in society at large. Instead, to get views, clicks, likes, and subscribers. Most seek ad revenue; they want to sell you something or get their 10 minutes of fame.
They do not know or care about you or your child. Many media platforms use you only as a consumer or a product and sell your information to others.
Do you regularly watch social media? Do you seek different points of view?
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Of course, not all creators focus on this. Many creators are teaching something, trying to share their stories to help and support others, show their work or hobby, or to entertain. Like animal videos, they are cute.
So many people are addicted to their phones and social media. They are often misled about people, cultures, communities, and events for someone else’s personal agenda.
The algorithm will decide what you view based on your previous viewing habits. Not to promote a balanced perspective.
Do you know what your child is doing?
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It is not unusual to see parents or caregivers scrolling, messaging, or talking on the phone when they should be watching the children. You will see this at the park, sitting in a doctor’s office, restaurants, and even in the classroom. A child as young as a year old might be seen viewing videos on a phone or tablet to keep them busy or quiet. Sometimes even younger children.
Parents used to bring books, small toys, and simple games to entertain their children. Interacting with their child, sharing the experience, and building a relationship.
Why is this conversation about social media and children?
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Social media and other media sources can steal your child’s innocence. It can harm your ability to teach your family values, talk about things that happen in your child’s life, and disconnect you from your child’s life. Will your child come to you for answers or concerns? Or will they go to their favorite creator on social media or the internet?
Will this person’s opinion or perception align with what you want your child to learn or do? How will you know?
As a parent, it is up to you to decide how you want to raise your child. The question is, how do you want to raise your child? What kind of adult do you want them to become? Do not let someone you do not know take that away from you for convenience, clicks or likes.