Technology as a Babysitter

School is out for the summer and parents searching for activities to keep their children’s boredom at a minimum. Aside from the traditional sleep-away camps, pool days and family vacations, technology has gradually eased the burden placed on parents. Specifically, the advent of the seemingly iPhone has sparked the interest of children around the world with its abundance of apps, video capabilities, music and games. Sounds like the ultimate boredom-slashing solution, right? All a parent has to do is hand the sleek, portable device over to his or her child and can go about their daily activities, knowing that they have supplied hours of instant gratification.

Though the iPhone may be extremely convenient and enjoyable, parents should think twice before deeming the gadget their child’s new nanny. Lack of social interaction and use of imagination are long-term consequences that should be considered when leaving hours of the day to be occupied by technology. To read more about the possible ramifications of the ubiquitous iPhone, look here.