The Internet for Children: Learning Tool or Danger?

Technology offers great opportunities for children’s development, but unconscious use poses serious risks. Raising children in the age of technology requires conscious guidance and balance. When used correctly, technology can make a significant contribution to children’s development. Children’s safety on the internet is just as important as their physical safety. For this reason, parents and teachers should raise children as conscious individuals in the digital world. Screen time should be limited, and children should be encouraged to maintain a balanced relationship with technology. Safe internet use should be taught, and awareness about digital privacy should be raised. Technology should be seen as a tool, not a goal, and children should not lose their connection with the real world. Additionally, the state must establish a dynamic censorship system that continuously monitors and blocks harmful content.

Children today are growing up in the midst of the digital world. Smartphones, tablets, AI-powered applications, and social media have become an integral part of their daily lives. As a mother, I feel uneasy when my daughter asks for my phone to watch YouTube. How beneficial are smartphones and tablets for children? Do we really have sufficient digital privacy safeguards? I have my doubts.

A few generations before us, our grandmothers viewed television as a “devil’s box” when it first emerged. Over time, television became just another household device. I remember whenI first brought home an electronic musical instrument—my family found it strange. Theunknown often appears “dangerous” at first glance. There is still a misconception about technology in the Islamic world, as if using technology completely undermines religion. What truly matters is using these tools correctly while preserving creativity. Naturally, the children we live with are as influenced by these opportunities as we are in our daily lives. The extent of this impact varies depending on how AI-powered programs are used, the child’s age, and the quality of the content they are exposed to.

So, will these technologies shape our children’s future in a more positive or negative way? Keeping children away from technology has become increasingly difficult. We, too, have adapted to the necessities of this era. Naturally, they observe us, discover things by watching, and imitate our behaviors. However, as I watch my daughter looking at the screen, I notice the rapid flow of artificial content and the occasional “group chat invitations.” I think to myself, “It’s a good thing my daughter can’t read yet.” If she were able to read and write, I would definitely want to prevent her from joining these conversations. In my opinion, public chat channels are unsafe environments for children at such a young age. Additionally, while some posts visually and technically appeal to children, they ultimately seem meaningless and a waste of time. Unfortunately, at times, inappropriate content—unsuitable even for adults—gets mixed in among children’s posts. For this reason, no matter which app my daughter uses, I can never fully relax when she has the phone in her hands. I constantly feel the need to monitor her. At the same time, expecting her to avoid screen time altogether doesn’t seem realistic either.

I come across many news reports about online games. Some games may appear harmless at first, but they have led children to self-harm and even death. Blue Whale, Momo Challenge, Choking Game, TikTok—these types of games and platforms represent the darker side of the internet.

Children growing up in the digital age use a variety of programs and applications. Theserange from education to entertainment, from security to creativity. Some popular examples include Duolingo, Photomath, Socratic by Google, DreamBox, YouTube Kids, and Replika.

These applications provide powerful tools that support children’s learning, creativity, andsafety.

Of course, this digital transformation also has its positive sides. Thanks to digital advancements in education, online learning platforms, and interactive applications, children can learn in a more enjoyable and effective way. AI-powered systems adapt to children’s individual learning speeds, offering personalized education.Technology helps children express themselves in fields such as art, music, and software development. Artificial intelligence can inspire children in creative processes like storytelling, drawing, and composing music. Activities such as coding, robotics, and game design contribute to the development of analytical thinking skills.Additionally, children can communicate with people from different parts of the world, gaining cultural awareness. The vast amount of accessible information in the digital world allows them to explore and learn about any topic that sparks their curiosity.

These programs can be tailored to a child’s individual learning pace, positively impacting language learning, mathematics, and problem-solving skills. Additionally, for children with special needs—such as speech impairments, dyslexia, or autism—these applications can facilitate communication and enhance the learning process.Engaging with these applicationscan also help children become more technologically aware and develop critical thinking skills.

However, despite offering many opportunities, these applications also have drawbacks. They can increase children’s screen dependency and reduce their social interactions. AI-powered toys and applications may collect children’s data, posing significant privacy risks. Moreover, the automated solutions provided by AI can hinder the development of problem-solving skills. Children who spend excessive time with AI may struggle to build effective face-to-face communication skills. Chatbots and content recommendation algorithms in these applications can expose children to misinformation or age-inappropriate content.

Spending long hours in front of screens can lead to concentration problems in children. Gaming addiction and excessive social media use may contribute to various psychological issues. Additionally, reduced physical activity increases the risk of obesity and other health problems. Children may also unknowingly share personal information online, making them vulnerable to cyberbullying. The risk of exposure to unreliable or harmful content highlights the necessity of conscious media literacy.

While technology offers great opportunities for children’s development, unconscious use poses serious risks. Raising children in the digital age requires conscious guidance and balance. When used correctly, technology can make a significant contribution to their growth. Children’s safety on the internet is just as important as their physical safety. For this reason, parents and teachers must raise children as conscious individuals in the digital world. Screen time should be limited, and children should be encouraged to maintain a balanced relationship with technology. Safe internet use must be taught, and awareness about digital privacy should be promoted. Technology should be seen as a tool, not a goal, and children should not lose their connection with the real world. Additionally, the state must establish a dynamic censor ship system that continuously monitors and blocks harmful content. Not only children but also young people and adults should be protected from exposure to harmful content such as gambling, drugs, and prostitution. Access to such content should be restricted through digital screening from the very beginning.

If these measures are implemented, technology can be seen as an opportunity rather than a threat to children, and the negative effects of artificial intelligence on them can be minimized.

Humans are beings that transcend time and space. By nature, we are inclined to grow, innovate, and create. The desire for discovery and progress has been present in humanity throughout history. Each generation builds upon what it inherits from the previous one. Since eliminating technology is not an option, we should embrace it together with our families. Let us continue to explore and create without losing the connections that define us, and without disregarding our moral values.