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Edging out a generation
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Is technology driving a wedge between parents and children?
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Growing up in a digital world of instant messaging, online exchanges and all that today’s children , often outmanoeuvre elders. Family dynamics have changed. Conventional parents have been replaced by more flexible and less authoritative ones.
Does this affect family life? Do children think they’re smarter? Are they less likely to accept authority? Is technology undermining parents’ control over children?
Mittu Manoj, an advocate and a mother, says: “This is a problem parents confront today. Being traditional and modern is difficult. My husband and I agree that children should be exposed to technology. Though I’m computer savvy, my nine-year-old’s performance on the computer is far superior. I rely on her to send an SMS. There is a positive and negative side about this trend. Children definitely have an edge. But instead of feeling inferior we need to come to terms with it.”
Jayant Narayanan, Superintendent, Central Excise, feels that “the influence and authority of parents have come down. Middle-aged parents find it difficult to keep pace with new technology, and kids get impatient. This leads to lack of respect. Parents, once the chief source of information have been replaced by the Net.” For Purnima Satish, a mother, it is a matter of attitude. “Parents need to familiarise themselves with the new technology to be self-sufficient more than just to keep pace with children.” She says the attitude of children depends on the upbringing. Yet, many feel that technology has led to isolation. Children spend more time online than with family.
K.C. Rajan Clement, a lecturer feels that “More than technology it is its abuse that creates rifts in the family. Human values should be instilled in children along with their passion for technology. ”
HEMJIT BHARATHAN
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