Critical Thinking in the Age of Technology

Importance of critical thinking 

When dealing with the Internet and technology, it is always important to think critically, especially when children are involved. Critical thinking is the ability to think clearly and rationally, and understanding the logical connection between ideas or events. Technology and the Internet can be used for good, to help develop certain skills, for fun and entertainment, and even to gain more knowledge, but like all things, they must not be overused.  

Thinking critically is important for your child’s safety, and it is an essential skill that parents can also pass down to their children, by leading by example, and by considering new technology purchases and researching them, and considering how much time online is too much for your kids. 

This is why parents should consider a wide array of factors.  Here are some ways to do so:  

Who  

• Who can be harmed by this device? 
• Who can be harmed by this online post? 
• Who can my children communicate with through this device? 
• Who benefits from this device? 

What 

• What is the best-case scenario (for example what is the best scenario if I bought this smartphone for my child)?  
• What is the worst-case scenario (for example what is the worst thing that could happen if I bought this game for my child)?  
• What can we do to make a positive change after using too much technology or using it in a harmful way?  
• What are the negative aspects of this digital device?  

Where 

• Where can I go to learn more about digital detoxes? 
• Where can I go to learn more about Internet safety? 
• Where can online predators find my child in the real world? 

When 

• When is the best time to buy a smartphone for my child? 
• When should I ask for help regarding the digital and online safety of my children? 
• When is my child vulnerable online? 
• When should device-free times be? 

Why 

• Why is it a challenge to engage with my child while he is watching a movie? 
• Why do we need to do a digital detox? 
• Why does my teenager sleep with his smartphone? 
• Why is it problematic that my child plays video games all day? 

How 

• How is cyberbullying similar to regular bullying? 
• How can I successfully talk to my child about inappropriate messages and texts? 
• How can we use technology to help others? 
• How do I envision technology's impact on the future of my family? 

This may seem like a lot of questions but not all questions apply to every situation or device.  If you find that you are already facing some issues, there are things you can do to prevent things from getting worse.  In general, open communication is key to preventing and/or improving all Internet and technology-related issues such as just having conversations about online safety measures, or reading with them tech device reviews, etc... are beneficial to your children 

Communication with your child 

Along with critical thinking before and after digital purchases, it is important to have the digital guidelines and rules of these devices and inform those to your children on a regular basis.   

It is also important that your children feel comfortable coming to speak to you when/if anything goes wrong, or even if they are just confused about something they have read online or in the media.  

Critical thinking is an indispensable tool that your children can apply to many different situations throughout their lives.  It is also essential for healthy, happy Internet and technology use.