Guide children to use technology wisely: CRISP chief

Tribune News Service

Chandigarh, April 29

The use of technology in education is as powerful as a nuclear weapon. It can either be used responsibly or irresponsibly depending on the user’s maturity. The aim of educationists and parents must be to guide children to use the power of technology wisely.

This was stated by Udai Lauria, president, Consortium for Research in School pedagogy (CRISP), during a Cyber Safety Day programme at Vivek High School, Sector 38, here today.

Talking to Chandigarh Tribune, Lauria said he often met anxious parents who had several questions on their mind. “There is no right or wrong age of introducing a child to technology. The need of the hour is the mutual trust between parents and children on the use of technology,” said Lauria, adding that instead of blindfolding children to technology, especially the social media, parents must give them vision – vision to think and act responsibly. 

Addressing issues of cyber bullying, privacy, safety, cyber attacks and other digital dilemmas related to the cyber crime, Lauria said, “For students of  the  digital generation, the world is a playground. While at the one end, technology provides incredible opportunities for students to learn, connect, create, and collaborate, there are serious threats and unknown dangers that accompany Internet and the social media usage.”

Out of every 10 students below the age of 18, four are victims of cyber attacks and digital dilemmas. Lauria added that simply addressing the child’s curiosity regarding technology was not sufficient, creating an environment was a must. “An environment where teachers and parents help children understand pitfalls of technology is an absolute must-have for ensuring cyber safety,” Lauria said. 

“The aim is to build a positive culture that supports a safer and responsible use of technology,” said Renu Puri, Principal of the school.

Earlier in the day, Lauria and his team held a seminar for parents and students of the tricity.