Parental Control and Full Freedom
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Introduction
Parental control and full freedom are stages that children pass through before becoming adults. Parental supervision is a feature applied by parents to restrict their children from access to certain content present in digital television, computers, mobile gadgets, and video games. Examples of parental control are content filters, where age-inappropriate content is restricted, usage control controls the period of usage, computer usage management tools, this type of software adopted by parents in recording activities, or location when using the devices (Wisniewski, 51-69). Full freedom is a situation where teens are not restricted but allowed access to this device at any time (Dalli, and Saliba 1357). This essay will entail the comparison and difference between parental control and full freedom.
Parental control restricts teens from accessing certain materials that prove inappropriate for their age bracket, such as pornographic films, violent scenes, aggressive language, terrorist recruitment, while full freedom gives teens access to unlimited material that can either be above or below their age bracket.
Parental control involves monitoring and supervision of children to instill internal controls such as self-control that help teens control their behavior even in the absence of parents. However, full freedom does not instill self-discipline without parental guidance and monitoring. This is achieved by parents through consistent practice of self-control to increase their children’s cognitive development.
In full freedom, children spend most of their time on gadgets, having little or no time to bond with their family. In contrast, parental control gives parents time to express their affection and support to their children, increasing child bonding, thus increasing their chances of incorporating their parent’s beliefs, principles, norms, and standards. Children try to maintain the bond with their parents to preserve the close and warm relationship by complying with the regulations.
Parent control will contribute to the socializing of the child with their peers and other individuals. However, full freedom will promote antisocialism. Interaction of children with another is essential in sharing ideas and cognitive development, besides gaining interpersonal and communication skills. Parent control will deter children from spending much time in devices but encouraging them to socialize with their age mates through playing (Badillo-Urquiola, Karla, et al., 147-175). Full freedom fosters the use of devices acting as a companion to children, thus limiting the time available for interaction.
Full freedom is also essential since children can gain relevant information through the use of these devices. For instance, through online studying and web surfing, the child can look for all kinds of desired information. On the other hand, parental control limits internet access, television programs that contain academic content necessary for development while hindering the child’s desired information for their lifestyle.
Full freedom for these devices hinders physical development and reduces leisure time for children. Indulging fully in electronic devices such as a computer may limit the time children spend outside, obtaining crucial nutrients available in the outer environment for general body growth and development. For example, vitamin D is obtained in sunlight, and it is imperative in promoting bone growth. Contrary, in parental control, the child has the freedom to engage in environmental activities such as playing, sketching, swimming, and sun busking, where all essential products for body development are available hence promoting strong body growth and development of the child.
Conclusion
Parental control and full freedom are both critical for the development of children. Parent control advantages outweigh the advantages of complete freedom. Parent control is significant in molding child behavior and essential for physical and mental development. Therefore, parents need to balance parental control (guidance) and full freedom to optimize children’s physical and cognitive development.
Works Cited
Badillo-Urquiola, Karla, et al. “Beyond parental control: designing adolescent online safety apps using value sensitive design.” Journal of adolescent research 35.1 (2020): 147-175.
Wisniewski, Pamela, et al. “Parental Control vs. Teen Self-Regulation: Is there a middle ground for mobile online safety?.” Proceedings of the 2017 ACM Conference on Computer Supported Cooperative Work and Social Computing. 2017. ( 51-69)
Dalli, D., & Saliba, M. A. (2016, July). Addressing simplicity, dexterity, and usability of compact, multi-degree-of-freedom mechatronic devices. In 2016 IEEE International Conference on Advanced Intelligent Mechatronics (AIM) (pp. 1357). IEEE.