Impacts of Technology on Families: Development of a Series of Newsletters to Educate Parents and Children about the Significant Contributions and Negative Aspects of Technology

Abstract

The purpose of this paper is to review research regarding technology's impact on families today. This paper reviews new and varied technologies, such as cell phones, the Internet, video games, and television, and their influence on youth in current generations. The benefits and the negative effects of technology on children and families are explored. Lastly, the paper outlines a newsletter series specifically designed to educate parents and children on the significant contributions of technology and offers recommendations to help reduce the negative aspects of technology. The nine-issue newsletter series focuses on topics of interest to parents and children and suggests ways to preserve the positive aspects of technology while also calling attention to the negative aspects of these technological devices. Many families today have a shortage of time; therefore, this newsletter series is a quick way for parents and children to gain knowledge and enhance communication on various topics. The newsletter series includes (Issue 1) Parenting in the Digital Age; (Issue 2) Cell Phones: Connecting to Family and Friends Safely; (Issue 3) Cyberspace: Suifing Safely Online; (Issue 4) Cyberbullying; (Issue 5) Media Influences; (Issue 6) Social Networking: Socialize Safely Online; (Issue 7) Obesity and Sedentary Lifestyles; (Issue 8) Media Violence; (Issue 9) Healthy Technology Habits.