I'm more accustomed to reading articles about the overuse of smartphones and technology by kids, but it seems that the same is true of many parents. According to research carried out by Digital Awareness UK and the Headmasters’ and Headmistresses’ Conference (HHC), more than 1 in 3 secondary school aged children have had to beg their parents to put down their smartphone and give them attention. More alarming is that almost half of those who have had to ask their parents to stop using their phones say that their parents take no notice, leaving them feeling ignored and upset. I witnessed this type of behaviour myself recently. During the holidays I took my Son for a day out at Legoland UK. In the middle of a queing area for one of the rides is a pirate ship climbing and play area. Stood at the edge of the wooden structure was a dad, staring at his phone whilst his 2 girls played. Unfortunately one of the girls got hurt and ran over to dad. When he continued using his phone the girl, around 6 years old, started crying and shouting "you don't care". Even then, dad continued tapping away at his phone, ignoring his hurt and tearful daughter. Now I don't like to judge. This dad may have been in the middle of negotiating a big deal and was totally focussed on emails and messages that might make or break it. But I don't think that was the case. As parents we set an example to our children. How can we expect them to respond to us if we ignore them? So, please dad. Put the phone down, engage with your kids and save the messages to later. What's your experiences of the impact of technolgy on your children and family? Have you found yourself focussed on a Facebook conversation, email messages or Twitter feed when your attention should really be elsewhere? Leave your comments below.
