Essay 284 – Modern children are surrounded by electronic devices

GT Writing Task 2 / Essay Sample # 284

You should spend about 40 minutes on this task.

Write about the following topic:

Modern children are surrounded by electronic devices such as personal computers, tablet computers, and smartphones, and they learn to use them at a very early age.

What are the advantages and disadvantages of this situation?

Give reasons for your answer and include any relevant examples from your own knowledge or experience.

Write at least 250 words.

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Model Answer:

In this digital age, children are bringing up with a wide array of electronic gadgets at their fingertips. They cannot imagine a day without laptops, tablets, and smartphones. And, this essay will delineate the benefits and downsides of this phenomenon.

Electronic devices are advantageous in many ways to children. First and foremost, these devices may help them to develop their senses and imagination. Some use may aid to stimulate listening, reading and speaking skills. Second, playing games on digital devices may foster cognitive learning and the development of analytical abilities. This, in turn, helps children develop investigation competencies, strategic and innovative thinking, and creativity. Besides, mastering games may boost confidence and facilitates hand-eye coordination. Not only that, but it also motivates children to meet a goal. Third, using computers can improve children’s manual dexterity and promote computer literacy.

On the other hand, there are several drawbacks to this phenomenon. One of the manifest disadvantages is that it can become a health hazard for children. Put simply, children are likely to spend long hours looking at the screen, thereby causing many health issues. Sleeping disorder is a case in point. The light radiated from screens meddles with the sleep cycle in the brain, which in turn, may lead to insomnia. In addition to this, the excessive use of these devices curbs outdoor activities and encourages a sedentary lifestyle, thus causing obesity among youngsters. The concentration problem is another frequently cited drawback of this trend. To illustrate, various studies carried out in this field have revealed that children who spend considerable time on electronic devices may have complications concentrating on their studies.

To conclude, using electronic gadgets can lead a child to adopt a sedentary lifestyle, have health issues and time management problems. However, considering the benefits of learning to use different electronic devices by young children, it is expected that parents would allow their children to use such devices constructively under parental guidance and supervision.