Always and forever.

Even if you haven’t watched the eccentric comedy, Napoleon Dynamite, you’ll still be aware of technology bringing people together from different parts of the world. In the movie, Napoleon’s brother Kip meets his future wife over the internet. In real life, where the name Napoleon brings to mind the late French emperor more than a sullen teen, we know that people connect with each other over the internet.

I’m of course writing and publishing this post thanks to and using the internet. The use of technology in children’s education and play is kind of a sensitive subject. In that criticising children for having an iPad whilst they’re still in a pram can escalate into Wife Swap levels of shouting matches. Some internet and social media commentary gets heated, let’s just say.

So, I was myself feeling defensive about listening to Sophie Windsor on the Maiden Mother Matriarch podcast linked below.  Sophie is most famous for appearing on the channel 4 comedy Peep Show and is married to a member of the British royal family. I thought initially that this rich woman criticising technology and modern parenting will probably be out of touch.

I was wrong, she’s utterly delightful and has very legitimate points. She’s a parent herself  and has visited different schools including the Michaela Community School run by “Britain’s strictest headteacher,” Katharine Birbalsingh.

The Michaela school has been praised for turning the lives of ordinary children around but Ms Birbalsingh is seen as a controversial figure. She has some Twitter or X presence but her posts are not controversial, have a look for yourself and she merely focuses on traditional values. As Sophie and Louise, the podcast host, say Mrs Birbalsingh by producing good results has indirectly exposed the failings of other schools so those sour grapes may play a part in the controversy.

Sophie herself sends her children to a school where the aim is for the children to be technology literate but not obsessed. Her motive is to speak openly about the negative effects of technology including how dependent education is on it.

Technology changes how our brains work. From being able to read a book without reaching for your phone to being able to think critically. Being able to judge and discern is a skill that is diminished by the quick answers approach that using technology provides.

So, what do we do? Most schools use platforms like CENTURY Tech for learning and then the children come home and use their phone or play station. Technology is such a huge part of the day. Sophie proposes more time away from technology, being outdoors and in nature. Where I live that is very possible, even with a 9year old who loves her Nintendo time because we’re surrounded by trees and hills. We also have no choice but to get out, in any weather with our dog.

Is this as possible for children and people who live in busy towns and cities who can’t afford big gardens?

The podcast also touches on teen mental health and technology. Everything in moderation works but sometimes an adult or authority needs to impose a rule to make it work. If the media and government prioritise mental health, then we can attempt to be in control of technology rather than the other way round.

I recommend a listen because it is a relatable podcast and I will look out for future discussions like this. If there are any organisations that welcome parental input, I’ll link below.

The way I see my daughter’s teen years is to use technology in a creative rather than in just a social way, keeping online chats between her close friends only. I was aware of my younger sister’s online activity so it’s not my first time advising a child to be cautious out there. I will deal with the issue of technology and childhood as I go on in life.

For my next post, I may delve into infantilisation; treating other adults as inferior to you whether you’re their so called friend or authority. This is something that is detrimental to mental health and a big struggle for some people.

If not the above, then I’ll be back with an other post. Thanks for reading.