Abstract

1. Technology use in the daily lives of the average American has increased exponentially over the last decade. Could this potentially have an effect on the caregiver/infant relationships, thus impacting the attachment relationship between parent and child? What does the future hold for this generation of children and beyond? Researchers are asking the same questions, yet to date there is no hard data. Anecdotal observations indicate that an overuse of technology in one’s daily life can affect relationships. Older children of technology distracted parents articulate having to compete with technology in order to gain attention from their parents. What might be happening to the infant who is cared for by the technologically distracted parent? The facilitator designed a workshop to inform parents of infants on the importance of an attuned, healthy attachment relationship with their baby as the foundation for healthy development. The workshop raises awareness of current technology usage and assists attendees in determining whether it is interfering in any way upon their relationship and/or quality time with their child. Abstract Objectives The facilitator reviewed numerous articles and books regarding technology usage today. She reviewed surveys regarding technology usage in the United States, internationally, over various ages and socioeconomic levels. In addition, the facilitator did research on technology’s effect on the brain and reviewed attachment theory. The facilitator developed a workshop designed to inform participants on the importance of a secure attachment and help them determine whether their daily technological use was interfering in any way with that relationship. Specifically, the workshop addressed the following topics: How is technology affecting our everyday lives? What is the importance of the caregiver/infant relationship in the healthy development of children birth to age 3? How might misuse of technology can get in the way of a healthy caregiver/infant relationship? If technology overuse is found to be a personal challenge, determine at least one way the individual can change (especially when an infant or child is in one’s care). The workshop was presented to a parent group of 25 participants (mothers of children ages 4 and under) and a class of 22 early childhood education college students enrolled in an Infant Development class. The workshop materials include a facilitator’s guide, a PowerPoint presentation, “Technology Personal Usage” survey, and a “Digital Diet” commitment contract. Materials and Methods Both workshop presentations were well received and participants unanimously reported that the information raised awareness of how technological distraction could potentially impact young children’s development. The parent group was surprisingly uninformed about the importance of the attachment relationship and had many questions. The facilitator spent time discussing the different types of attachment relationships and their impact on their child’s development. Both groups related instances of their own distraction with cell phone usage or observed instances of technologically preoccupied parents clearly ignoring their babies. It was surprising to learn that out of the 25 mothers, 90% of them confessed they either talked or texted on their phone while breast or bottle feeding their babies on more than one occasion. The college students reported that this workshop would be highly beneficial to parents of infants or expectant parents they work with. Results Conclusions Outcomes: This information is intended to be shared with all parents of infants and toddlers or expectant parents so they can inspect their daily technology usage and institute life-style changes if warranted. Raising awareness of the critical importance of healthy attachment relationships and the vital role parents’ play in the developmental health of their child needs to be made readily available to new parents. Implications: Families of today are using more and more personal digital devices in their everyday lives. The implications on how the use of this technology may affect family relationships and healthy child development is yet to be determined. We cannot halt the use of technology, nor should we deny its usefulness to us. Rather, raising awareness of one’s daily use of technology and the potential negative affect it can have on our relationship with our child and thus their development is information all parents and caregivers need to consider. References Bilron, Nick. "The Child, the Tablet and the Developing Mind." New York Times 31 Mar. 2013: n. pag. Print. Borreli, Lizette. "Technology Addiction: Warning Signs of A Cell Phone Addict." Medical Daily. N.p., 2 July 2013. Web. 21 Nov. 2013. Dudley, Brier. "Business / Technology." Editorial. Seattle Times 1 Oct. 2012: n. pag. The Seattle Times. Web. 22 Nov. 2013. Etchells, Pete. "Is It Helpful to Accuse Parents of Neglect When It Comes to Technology Use?" SciLogscom. N.p., 22 May 2012. Web. 22 Nov. 2013. G, John M., Psy.D. "Internet Addiction and Online Addiction." Internet Addiction and Online Addiction. PsychCentral, 222226 Oct. 2012. Web. 21 Nov. 2013. Ingram, Matthew. "Is Modern Technology Creating a Culture of Distraction? — Tech News and Analysis." Gigaom. N.p., 23 June 2012. Web. 22 Nov. 2013. Leckart, Steven. "Balance Your Media Diet." (n.d.): n. pag. Web. 15 July 2009. Moskowitz, Clara. "How to Tell If You Are Addicted to Technology." LiveScience.com. N.p., n.d. Web. 25 Jan. 2008. Porter, Lauren L. "The Science of Attachment: The Biological Roots of Love - The Natural Child Project." Editorial. Mothering July-Aug. 2003: n. pag. The Science of Attachment: The Biological Roots of Love - The Natural Child Project. The Natural Child Project. Web. 21 Nov. 2013. Richtel, Matt. "Growing Up Digital, Wired for Distraction." New York Times (21 Nov. 2010): n. pag. Web. Scelfo, Julie. "The Risks of Parenting While Plugged In." Editorial. New York Times 9 June 2010: n. pag. Web. Sieberg, Daniel. The Digital Diet: The 4-step Plan to Break Your Tech Addiction and Regain Balance in Your Life. New York: Three Rivers, 2011. Print. Small, Gary, and Gigi Vorgan. IBrain: Surviving the Technological Alteration of the Modern Mind. New York: Collins Living, 2008. Print. "Tips for Parents Who Can't Unplug." CBSNews. CBS Interactive, n.d. Web. 22 Nov. 2013. Turkle, Sherry. Alone Together: Why We Expect More from Technology and Less from Each Other. New York: Basic, 2011. Print. Contact Wendy Parise parise_wendy@smc.edu Context: A healthy attachment relationship with a primary caregiver is foundational to healthy child development. Could a primary caregiver’s overuse of technology in daily life (e.g. cell phone, email, texting) interfere with the development of a healthy infant/caregiver attachment relationship? Objective: Research the effect of technology on caregiver/infant/young child interaction and create a workshop to raise awareness of the potential dangers of technology overuse when caring for infants, toddlers and children. Specifically, the workshop will inform participants regarding: How technology is affecting their everyday lives The importance of the caregiver/infant relationship in the healthy development of children 0-3. How misuse of technology can get in the way of a healthy caregiver/infant relationship. At least 1 way they can change the way they (or those they know) can adjust how they use technology in order to promote healthy infant/caregiver relationships. Justification/rationale: This workshop and its materials could be presented to any parent group or used by any instructor seeking to educate their group Santa Monica College Wendy Parise Babies in our Tech World