5 ways to interact with screen addicts

YEET! Goat! Flex! These are words used by Generation Alpha that don't make sense to their parents.

Generation Alpha refers to those born from 2010. They are the children of millennials, or parents aged between 29 to 43.

They depend a lot on technology. Any attempt to take away their smartphones is futile, unless you're seeking a confrontation with them.

Parents and teachers may provide a better learning environment to Generation Alpha based on these suggestions:

FIRST, as Generation Alpha started using technology at a young age, parents and teachers may introduce numbers and alphabets once they reach age 3 or 4.

SECOND, use educational toys to develop their motor skills as they spend much time on screen.

THIRD, use learning applications. There are many free apps, so parents and teachers can choose those that are suitable for kids.

FOURTH, prepare collaborative activities. As kids use many gadgets, designing activities that involve interaction with other kids will help them to develop their social skills.

FIFTH, be creative. With shorter attention span, kids may not be able to sit still for long. So parents and teachers should prepare creative activities to engage them.

Generation Alpha are prone to screen addiction.

They are easily exposed to cyberbullying and other mental health issues. They may not know how to control their emotions and desires when viewing someone's life.

They may feel insecure and pressured to keep up with trends.

So parents must monitor their kids and provide them with emotional support.

Teachers should try to create a harmonious learning environment for them.

NUR MAZLIYANA ZAINUDDIN

English language instructor,

Centre for the Advancement of Language Competence,

Universiti Putra Malaysia


The views expressed in this article are the author's own and do not necessarily reflect those of the New Straits Times

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