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Family dynamics have thus changed. The conventional parent has been replaced by a more flexible and less authoritative one. But how does this trend affect family life? Do children think themselves smarter and thus less likely to accept authority from parents? Is the new technology snapping away the control parents have over children?

Mittu Manoj, an advocate and a mother, says, “This is a problem parents have to confront today. Being a traditional mum at heart and yet trying to be a modern can be difficult. My husband loves technology and we agree that children should be exposed to it as early as possible. Though I’m computer savvy, Manisha, my nine-year-old daughter’s performance on the computer is far superior to mine. I rely on her to send SMS as she is so adept. As with anything there is a positive and negative side about this trend. One has to change with the times. Children definitely have an edge. But instead of feeling inferior we need to come to terms with it.”

With kids acquiring a level of mental maturity and skills much before physical maturity many are apprehensive. Jayant Narayanan, Superintendent, Central Excise, feels that “the influence and authority of parents have come down when compared to a decade ago. Parents, especially middle-aged, find it difficult to keep pace with new technology. Kids can get impatient with the elders’ ignorance.

This often leads to lack of respect for parents. In the past, parents, apart from teachers, were the chief source of information for children. But now the Net provides them information, which they can retrieve effortlessly. This maybe a temporary phenomenon as we are now living in a crucial phase of change. However, Purnima Satish, a mother, feels it is all a matter of attitude and approaches things differently. She says that “parents need to familiarise themselves with the new technology more to be self-sufficient than just to keep pace with children. One is never too old to learn if the mind is properly tuned and free from stress. The chances of children turning snobbish and superior are quite remote for it all depends on upbringing. Yet uneasiness has set in. Many strongly feel that though technology has increased connectivity it also led to isolation.

There is less communication, which can lead to division in the family. Children spend more time with online friends and acquaintances than with family.

K. C. Rajan Clement, a lecturer, says: “We are moving in the direction where children no longer depend on parents. Communication, love and respect are being eroded from the family.

More than technology it is the overindulgence and abuse of it that creates serious rifts in the family. Human values should be instilled in children. along with their passion for technology.” The general awareness is that One has to move on in the world and make efforts to conform to changing lifestyles. However, parents need not be unduly anxious or disturbed if the situation is taken stock of. Viewed from a broader perspective, the digital kids are more a product of change than a risk or a threat. Because The bottom line is that they are still kids. They are vulnerable and require parental advice and guidance.

Parents’ responsibility is thus to create a consciousness that there is more to life than all these high-end gadgets.

Kids should be weaned towards human values like charity, respect for seniors, compassion, goodwill etc.

Parents should not lag behind. For along with technology that is churning them out into little masters of their own destiny parent should keep pace by instilling family values, love, concern, tolerance etc. that are essentials of good upbringing.

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