In this rapidly advancing digital age, both parents and children increasingly rely on electronic devices. Technology not only changes children’s lifestyles but also brings endless possibilities for their learning and growth. As a counselling psychologist and an expectant mother, I deeply understand parents’ love and hate for electronic devices. Accompanying children in their growth during this digital era is a journey filled with challenges and surprises. I hope this article can “Cheer for You” to help you recognize the growth opportunities for children in the digital age and how to effectively guide them in finding a balance between the real world and the online world.
Two Key Opportunities for Children in the Digital Age
1. Unlimited Access to Knowledge
With the rapid development of the internet and artificial intelligence, cross-regional and cross-disciplinary knowledge has become easily accessible. Various forms of knowledge transmission media are continuously increasing, catering to children’s diverse interests and learning styles. In the digital age, children have the opportunity to delve into topics they love, and this autonomous learning not only satisfies their curiosity but also further stimulates their desire for knowledge. Parents can encourage their children to become leaders in learning and make good use of technology to facilitate children in knowledge exploration (Mok, 2024).
2. Popularisation of Software
As technology advances, various software applications have become increasingly diverse and user-friendly. Many software programs are well-designed allowing even non-professionals to use them easily. This means every child can become a creator, whether through video-editing, music creation, or digital art—making the impossible possible. Becoming a supportive audience, parents can affirm their children’s creativity and the creative process, rather than evaluating the quality of the final product, which helps nurture children’s creative potential.
Assisting Children in Balancing the Online World and Real Life
A student once shared that he struggled to connect with his peers because his parents did not allow him to watch television during elementary school. For today’s children, electronic devices are akin to the television of the past, serving as both entertainment and social tools. Therefore, completely preventing children from using electronic devices is unrealistic.
Screen-Free Parent-Child Interaction Time
During my recent clinical work, many elementary students have expressed feelings of disappointment that their parents cannot accompany them to participate in offline play activities for various reasons. Have parents ever overlooked their children’s invitations to play? Establishing a weekly “Parent-Child Day” with screen-free activities not only enhances emotional connections but also reduces children’s reliance on electronic devices. Understanding how these devices meet children’s needs for autonomy, competence, and belonging and arranging activities based on these needs would be a wise approach (Tam, 2023).
Cultivating Children’s Digital Literacy
Parents should ensure that children explore digital tools in a safe environment and educate them about the potential risks of the internet and the importance of privacy protection. When children publish their creative works and express themselves on social platforms, they are encouraged to develop a habit of always reflecting on online safety from an early age. Additionally, guiding children to learn how to use electronic devices and express opinions responsibly will help protect their own safety and foster respect for others, turning them into responsible digital citizens.
In this rapidly developing digital era, children face countless opportunities. As a parent, your support and guidance are crucial. You can help your child find a balance between real life and the online world, allowing them to thrive in this digital age and become future innovators and leaders.
Change does not happen overnight. Both parents and children need time to adapt and execute improvement plans at a manageable pace. Your efforts and patience will lay a solid foundation for your child’s future. Believe in yourself and keep pushing forward—let your love and support be the strongest backing for your children!
Reference：
莫黛琳（2024）：了解孩子成長需要，奠定自主學習的基礎，香港心理學會輔導心理學部《在家學IB：心理學家助你在家培養孩子十大IB能力》，（頁16-23），香港：新雅文化。
譚嘉宜（2023）：機不離手，如何協助孩子建立打機意外的興趣，香港心理學會輔導心理學部《與孩同行：心理學家教你拆解16個育兒挑戰》，（頁112-119），香港：新雅文化。