Virtual Child – The terrifying truth about what technology is doing to children is written by a pediatric occupational therapist and child development expert Cris Rowan who is passionate about changing the ways in which children use technology. Virtual Child is designed for parents, teachers, health care professionals, government, researchers and technology production corporations, and contains strategies to manage balance between activities children need to grow and succeed with technology use.
Download the Table of Contents and Introduction here.
Book Synopsis
Children now use an average 8 hours per day of entertainment technology with profound impact on their physical, mental, social and academic development. One third of North American children enter school developmentally delayed, and child obesity is now a national epidemic. One in six children has a diagnosed mental illness, with child aggression and unmanageable behaviour increasingly the norm. One in six children cannot pay attention and require learning assistance. With research now showing causal links between physical, mental, social and academic disorders in children who overuse technology, schools and homes continue to escalate unrestricted use.
The recent explosion in technology use by children has gravely limited achievement of critical elements for child growth and success. Movement, touch and human connection – necessary for sensory, motor and attachment development, have taken a back seat to television, internet, video games, cell phones, and movies. Chaotic, sedentary and detached, today’s parents are failing to provide their children with essential activities that build developmental foundations. Parental fears keep children indoors, “safe” from any activity that might be perceived to be dangerous, as playgrounds fall into disrepair. School ‘zero tolerance’ policies, as well as increased use of stimulant medication and ‘safe’ rooms, are all indicators that classroom management and achievement of literacy is failing. Rising incidence of child physical, mental, social and academic disorders bear witness to the profound impact technology has had on the 21st century child, raising the question “Are children no longer sustainable?”
Virtual Child offers parents, health and education professionals innovative tools and techniques to enhance child development and academic performance, while managing balanced use of technology. Modifications to home and school structure and environment, serve to ensure that every new millennium child will achieve a healthy, productive and sustainable future.
$24.99
