The effects of modern devices on the tinana
Kia ora koutou
I don't know the scientific terms but has there been any research done on the effects of using modern devices and what this can do to the tinana of our precious children? I know our children need to be out and about breathing in the fresh air but what are the suggested time periods for having our children working on lap tops, net books, ipads...and other hand held devices? If anyone knows I'd appreciate a bit of sharing. Thanks
Moana
Replies
- Karen Spencer (View all users posts) 24 Apr 2012 8:04pm ()
Kia ora, Moana,
I heard this topic being discussed yesterday on Radio NZ. Sarah Jones published a piece for the NZEI on screentime - Pull the plug or power up? - which basically advised a sensible balance, as I believe a psychologist did on the radio, too.
There has also been a thread in the MLE Reference group about this, too - 'Screen time'.
There doesn't seem to be a set time limit as such, but more an acknowledgement that children/young people need to be experiencing a range of activities as they grow and develop. And it often depends on the child, their situation, maturity, interests and so on.
Not an easy answer;-)
Anyone else got a point to add to the mix?
- Moana Timoko (View all users posts) 24 Apr 2012 9:39pm ()
Thanks Karen - interesting read...I'm thinking mmm yes must mention this when working with schools - another discussion sharing opportunity for whanau and schools - ensuring that our tamariki have a balance
- Tara Fagan (View all users posts) 24 Apr 2012 9:08pm ()
Kia Ora Moana
You are asking about using equipment and safety. I haven't seen anything other than what Karen has pointed out. There is the statement about WiFi that might be useful, particularly in relation to WiFi in NZ Schools.
Tara
- Moana Timoko (View all users posts) 24 Apr 2012 9:35pm ()
Thanks for the link Tara - very interesting, very interesting. Got some scientific terms out of that tooxx
- Tessa Gray (View all users posts) 24 Apr 2012 9:49pm ()
There have also been references in the discussion thread on, Appropriate digital health and wellness where a recent item on the news highlighted, Kids 'spending too much time on computers' (1:48) TVNZ 6:54PM Mon March 12, 2012.
I think there has been some linkage between the brains's 'plasticity' or the ability to 'rewire' itself - based on the experiences it is exposed to, including technological influences. Useful references to this can be found @ http://www.integrallearningsolutions.com/educ6115/?cat=1
This idea has also been shared in the ICT PD Digital citizenship and cybersaftey wiki,
The assertion is that a young person's mind is moulded and shaped by it's experiences and over a period of time, this would include the brain's ability to wire and rewire itself based on technological influences. Ian Jukes and Anita Dosaj wrote a 67 page handout for a lecture they presented in Singapore in 2006 titled Understanding Digital Children (DKs) – Teaching and Learning in the new Digital Landscape
Kids & Technology: The developmental health debate post also makes references to; the developmental influences as well as the detrimental effects of both screen time and social networking sites.
The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends no more than 1-2 hours per day of screen-time.
I'd be interested to hear another side to this debate...
- Moana Timoko (View all users posts) 24 Apr 2012 10:26pm ()
Gee thanks Tessa - I can't believe how fast you guys can find stuff...and how much you know...I'm really appreciating the links and extra infoxx
- Allanah King (View all users posts) 25 Apr 2012 11:10am ()
I wrote about this last year.
http://allanahk.edublogs.org/2011/05/19/ban-cellphones-and-wireless-networks-in-schools/
Interestingly in the comments Charles shared advice from the Monistry of Health re the affect of wireless networks on people's health.
- Jane Armstrong Bos (View all users posts) 03 May 2012 12:14pm ()
I've just been sent this link on Exposure to electromagnetic fields from wireless computer networks (Wi-Fi) - report on results, September 2011. It is research to assess exposures of children from wireless computer networking equipment used in schools. It's quite scientific for those that like detail but overall the findings show that laptops and access points transmit for only small proportions of the time during typical lessons, less than 1% of the time for laptops and less than 12% for access points. This means that the time-averaged exposure arising from the use of laptops in schools is even lower than those when laptops were measured under controlled conditions in the laboratory.
NetSafe also have good information on Wi-fi safety in NZ schools, including a PDF download of a letter from the Ministry of Health stating that Wi-fi equipment doesn't post a risk to students.
- Moana Timoko (View all users posts) 12 Jun 2012 1:04pm ()
Ok - was kindly directed to a link by a designer (who designs student chairs as well as other things) about active dynamic sitting - and the need for our students to move whilst seated as this is an important part of ergo dynamics...check out this link to read more http://www.designshare.com/index.php/articles/sitting-trap
You may also want to check out http://www.furnware.co.nz/ especially if setting up new working environments for students - ask the design experts to work with you, with your ideas. Furnware - a group of people dedicated to creating outstanding classrooms for school communities everywhere. They use the collective knowledge of all their people throughout their global network to provide the guidance for schools. Their school furniture is created with teachers and students in mind.
- Moana Timoko (View all users posts) 17 Jan 2014 3:56pm ()
Ooo la la I wondered what happened with Te Horo School and the idea of turning off WiFi. This was just shared with me:
http://www.techblog.co.nz/632-Wifiandtinfoilhatsanevidentialapproach
Presents some facts and opinions. Good read!
- Moana Timoko (View all users posts) 17 Jan 2014 4:02pm ()
Here's a link to the background info about the WiFi battle. Arohanui ki ngā pāpā x I do admire their drive and passion.
http://tvnz.co.nz/technology-news/fathers-win-school-wi-fi-battle-5787916
Join this group to contribute to discussions.
