New technologies have changed the way children spend their free time. Do you think the advantages of this trend outweigh the disadvantages?

Technology has changed the human lives in many ways. It is said that the way children spend their leisure has been altered by technology. I think the disadvantages of this trend are more as it can have harmful effects on children’s overall health and eyes, and it wastes their precious time. But technology can enhance children’s knowledge, and they can learn how to use technology at a young age.

Using technology in free time can spoil youngsters’ health. It is common to see children spending their free time on their mobiles and computers. They play video games, use social media, watch videos and chat with strangers. Instead of going to play sports, they sit for hours at home. Playing sports is crucial to keep the body healthy. But in its absence, the body becomes weak and develops diseases. Also, gazing at mobiles uninterruptedly can cause vision problems. Eyes need rest after focusing on an object for some time. But while playing games, children even do not blink their eyes. As a result, the eyes become weak to focus and stop seeing clearly.

Moreover, children waste their precious time if they use technology. Mobiles and computers are devices that have endless content. People can keep watching them for their whole life. Additionally, this content is addictive. Once children start entertaining themselves with this content, they find it impossible to stop themselves from watching it. It wastes their free time. They spend several hours more than their free time when they use technology.

However, using technology in free time can be skilful and knowledge-providing. While playing some puzzle games, children develop their problem-solving skills. Some games need to develop strategies and logic which boost children’s logical and analytical skills. Similarly, some videos on YouTube and social media have too much knowledge about the world and specific topics such as geography, culture, economy and polity. It can increase children’s knowledge beyond books. Moreover, learning technology at this age can help children in their pre-professional careers. Computers and laptops are used everywhere. Technological knowledge is vital in every field. If children use them at an early age, they can develop basic skills soon, and learning advanced skills will become easy for them.

In conclusion, children can attain new knowledge and technical skills by using technology. But when children start using technology in their free time, it can have some drastic effects on their health, and their bodies can become weak in the absence of playing sports. Along with wasting time, computer and mobile screens are harmful to children’s eyes. Therefore, I think the disadvantages of this trend outweigh the advantages.