Don’t worry; this isn’t just another article telling you to “spend more time with your kids” or to hop on the “limit screen time” bandwagon. I’m not advocating for completely cutting out electronics; that’s simply unrealistic in today’s world. In my household, we actively engage with technology, and yes, I even have my own YouTube channel. My child has one too! So please don’t misinterpret my message—it’s not about avoiding YouTube altogether.
However, when it comes to little ones—like my kids, ages 6 and 3—they often can’t make sound decisions while their minds are still developing. It’s essential to consider what influences are shaping their growth and understanding.
The Digital Babysitter
Honestly, I’ve used YouTube as a digital babysitter on several occasions. It’s incredibly convenient—it allows me to clean, work, or prepare meals with minimal interruptions. But when I took it away, I noticed a shift. The iPad would either die or be forgotten during long car rides, and suddenly, the “gimmies” would emerge. The whining intensified, and a sense of ungratefulness grew.
I began to pay close attention to when these negative behaviors started popping up, and it often coincided with my 6-year-old having free rein over what to watch on YouTube (including YouTube Kids). After a week-long break from the platform, the change in their behavior was astonishing. Respect returned, the incessant “gimmies” diminished, and the whining lessened. Was it a coincidence? Perhaps, but it certainly made me think.
The Kids on YouTube
Many young stars on YouTube model behaviors that aren’t exactly ideal. They often talk back to their parents, express their desires through whining, and get rewarded for such behavior. Why does this happen? Because it sells. Yes, many YouTube personalities profit from their antics, and kids are drawn to these figures who seem to get whatever they want simply by acting out.
Children learn by observing, and when they consistently see other kids on screen attaining their desires through less-than-stellar behavior—think endless toys or fast food trips—they absorb those lessons. I could have countless discussions with my boys about positive life skills, but when they watch the same videos repeatedly, those conversations seem to fade into the background.
So, what should they watch?
Well, that decision lies with you—the parent, the adult, the one steering the ship. If you appreciate the convenience of YouTube, consider which channels or shows will positively influence your child. Is it educational content, classic children’s stories, or something that prepares them for school?
For me, I plan to continue letting my kids enjoy YouTube, but I’ll be much more selective about their viewing choices. After our break, I allowed them to watch educational videos about kindergarten, and their initial reluctance quickly transformed into excitement as they learned to add and subtract.
Let’s be real—some might argue that it all boils down to parenting. Yes, I agree. However, why not address the issues that we know could be triggering undesirable behaviors before they escalate? I believe in taking small steps rather than overhauling everything at once. We can gradually improve aspects of our lives by tackling manageable challenges, like what our children consume through screens.
Some parents might chime in, saying, “I knew this! I never let my child choose what to watch.” That’s great, and yes, you’re likely doing a fantastic job. The fact that you care enough to read about children’s influences shows your commitment.
I’m merely sharing my personal experiences, and if we want our children to grow into remarkable individuals, it’s crucial to stay aware of who and what is shaping their understanding of the world.
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In summary, a week without YouTube made a significant impact on my children’s behavior. While technology is here to stay, being selective about what they watch can lead to better learning experiences and healthier attitudes. As parents, we must stay vigilant about the influences surrounding our children in this digital age.
Keyphrase: Impact of Screen Time on Children
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