Children spend more time messaging each other on phones and websites than talking in person, a survey has revealed. Text messages and social networking sites have become the common mode of youngsters aged 8 to 14.
A survey of modern childhood found that many youngsters are conscious that they are spending too much time on their computers and enjoy themselves the most when playing outside. But the lure (诱惑) of electronic products proves too strong for a quarter, while a fifth say their parents don't like them playing outside because they are worried about strangers and injuries.
The “iGeneration report” suggested that youngsters are increasingly healthconscious and skeptical (持怀疑态度的) of commercialization, including genderbased labelling on toys and pop videos released by singers. More than half of those questioned care about eating healthily and one in 10 lectures their own parents about the food they are eating or buying, 42 percent of those questioned own a smartphone, with 36 percent admitting spending more time communicating with friends via instant messaging, such as texts or networking websites, than talking in person. Only one child in 100 said that being happy, having a loving family and being clever were taken as the most crucial (决定性的) elements in their lives.
Cary Cooper, the professor of organizational psychology and health at Lancaster University, said social media were contributing to youngsters becoming more independent. They had a sense of individuality due to exposure to a range of media.
The survey follows major statebacked research which found that youngsters are turning their back on drink, drugs and smoking. It found a dramatic drop in the number of secondary school students trying and regularly using drugs, alcohol and tobacco. Some analysts said that thanks to the rise of social media, millions of teenagers are spending their time at home in their rooms rather than out on the streets.
About 15 years ago, when my children were still in elementary school, I was very active in the Parent Teacher Association. At one of the monthly meetings the topic of discussion was the new curriculum (课程) that the state of Michigan was presenting. Many concerns were voiced at that meeting, and one of them was my own. My concern was that the children were being taught things that were once taught at a much later age.
Let's face it：children today have to learn and adapt to (适应) a more technological society, one where if you're not a peak performer you're just not well received. Some say that the children of today have it so much easier than 10—20 years ago. They're given so much more, not having to work for their toys and little extras. They sit all day long in front of a computer playing games. . . How hard can that be?
I, for one, think that today's child is missing out on so many wonderful experiences because of technology. What type of people skills are they learning? They can thumbtype faster than any other generation before them, but they can't pick up the phone and have a really deep conversation.
There is an elementary school not far behind my home and I used to see children on the playground every day. Weekdays and weekends, there would be children playing，shouting with joy. But now I don't see many children there after school, nor on the weekend. Has the playground gone from our children's life?
I know many teachers, some of whom are my friends, may throw_a_shoe_at me when I say play doesn't always need to have a purpose. And it doesn't always have to have a teaching module included. To compete in today's world, the children have to be experts at multitasking (多任务处理), and on top of their game at all times. I, for one, think this is a shame.
One of the best things you can possibly do is to start your own club. It's great fun especially if you are the sort of person who feels there's never anything to do during the school holidays.
The first thing you need to come up with is an idea for your club. Pets, clothes, pop music or dancing groups, sports, making things?The list is endless.
Next you need some friends to be in your club with you. All you need is three or four other people who are interested in the same things as you.
You should all sit down somewhere together with lots of pieces of paper and write down every name you can think up. That will keep you busy for ages.
At your first meeting you should make up a rule book. And the first rule should be no grown-ups or little/big brothers or sisters! The best clubs are always secret!
Now you have just almost everything you need, except membership cards. These are very important and again you can spend a lot of time making them. Why not leave some space for a photo of yourself?That will make the membership card really look like it.
So there you are—get clubbing! Once you get started you'll think of loads of more interesting things to do!
A. That's easy.
B. Enjoy your own club!
C. Invite a designer to join you.
D. What are you interested in?
E. Summer vacation is just around the corner.
F. Then you need to pick a name for your club.
G. Use bright thick pens to make a special design.
