From phones to tablets and even TV, Greater Sudbury Psychologist Dr. Stephanie Price says technology doesn’t need to be seen as the enemy but rather a tool.
“I would say for children, it can help with the development of some of those early literacy and numeracy skills and I think what we especially learned during Covid,” she said.
Price added that technology use for kids “skyrocketed” during the pandemic as it was one of the only tools we had to connect with people.
She told CTV News that it is important to mitigate use and ensure it is not negatively impacting a child.
“There’s no way for something in a child’s environment to not impact their brain development in some way,” Price said.
Price will be participating in the Sudbury Catholic District School Board’s Mental & Well-being Free Carousel Event from 5:30 p.m. – 8 p.m. on April 9.
The annual event, put on by the board’s parent involvement committee, focuses on things that are top of mind for educators, parents and the community.
“We often came up with things around technology use, substance use or abuse, diversity, inclusion – especially with all the newcomers that we have in Sudbury, that have come from elsewhere in the world and how these affect our kids and our youth mental health,” said involvement committee vice-chair Amanda Dietrich.
“These recurring issues kind of led us to focus (the event) on mental health.”
Price said many families struggle with overuse when it comes to technology but there are small steps that can be made each day.
“Maybe just start with, you know, not using phones at the table and having a meal together or, you know, definitely not using it before bed or having like free access overnight and it impacting sleep,” she said.
“I think another great strategy too is making sure that, you know, instead of your kids doing it by themselves in a solitary way, how can we make it more engaging and collaborative? So, you know, if your kid’s playing a video game or you know, something on their tablet, why not sit with them, ask them questions about what they’re doing?”
Parents, educators or even just those who want to learn more are invited to attend the event next week at St. Benedict Catholic Secondary School.
“I’m hoping that families will walk away with an understanding of, you know, generally how their child’s, development typically goes, what to look out for in terms of science that technology is being overused or it’s not really being helpful to their child’s well-being,” said Price.
“And some really practical strategies.”
Childcare and dinner will be provided for any that preregister.
For more information about the carousel, visit the board’s website.
