Parenting in the Digital Age

Today, Ashish Goyal, Author of Guardian of Dharma Series talks about Parenting in the Digital Age and asks Can Indian Storytelling Still Anchor Young Minds?

Parenting in the Digital Age

Parenting has changed dramatically over the past two decades or so. The traditional bedtime story session with bright pictures and the warmth of a parent’s voice has silently moved to animated videos and screen streaming services. During meals too, children are provided with screens to keep them occupied. It is convenient and perhaps even necessary. But here is the question that needs an answer – What happens to a child’s inner self when stories are not shared but streamed?

The early years of a child are marked by repetition, rhythm and relationship. Indian storytelling was never meant for mere entertainment purposes. From animal fables of Panchatantra to moral stories of Hitopadesha, Indian storytelling was replete with meaning. Indian epics like Ramayana and Mahabharata were never meant to be silently read alone. They were meant to be discussed, questioned and lived through dialogue. The pause of a grandparent, the explanation of a parent or the questioning of a child created a dialogue that was meant to promote thinking.

Screen-based content offers speed and stimulation. Images move quickly. Sound effects fill gaps. Attention is sustained through change. Though this method may be captivating, there is little room for creativity. When a child listens to a narrative being spoken, the brain must make its own mental images. Characters are formed in the brain, and scenes are built from memory and emotions. This practice enhances the child’s creativity, vocabulary and emotional intelligence. It also promotes a sense of patience. Listening involves sustained focus, a quality not always promoted in the fast-paced world of digital media.

Another significant difference between the two media is relational bonding. Storytelling is a form of presence and the child can feel this focus and care from their parent or caregiver. A device, by contrast, may hold attention but cannot respond to a child’s confusion or curiosity. A video continues whether the child understands or not. A parent can pause, explain and adapt.

There are also cognitive benefits that can be derived from the use of stories. Studies on the development of children indicate that the use of dialogic reading, which entails the asking of questions, promotes the development of the mind. On the contrary, the consumption of media content has been shown to limit the amount of verbal communication. This, therefore, can impact the development of the child, especially with regard to the development of the writing, thinking and public speaking skills. When a child listens to a parent describe the content of a story, the parent describes the sentences used, which later impacts the development of the writing skills.

Besides the impact on the development of the mind, stories also impact the development of the value systems of the child. Indian storytelling has been known for the complexity with which it presents moral values. There are no heroes; the characters are flawed. There are no direct moral messages; the messages are embedded. When a parent tells the story of the dilemma that the character in the story faces, the moral value of the character can be learned.

The physical book itself is another factor. The act of turning the page, looking at the pictures and holding the book provides a certain type of sensory input. This helps memory consolidation. The screen’s continuously dazzled appearance does not provide the above-noted level of variability. Excessive screen time prior to bedtime can interfere with sleep patterns due to both blue-light from the screen as well as the stimulation experienced by the eyes and body from staring at a screen. The body generally connects this activity to sleep and safety.

None of this suggests technology has no place in contemporary parenting. Digital libraries have opened up literature in multiple languages. Audiobooks and educational programs can supplement learning. The concern arises when screens replace rather than support storytelling. Convenience should not quietly become dependence.

Reclaiming storytelling does not require elaborate preparation. It can begin with ten minutes each night. Parents don’t have to be dramatic. A simple narration, a share of laughter over a mischievous character or an exchange of ideas on moral dilemmas is enough. Even retelling of common tales can be effective. Repetition is key to strengthening memory and security. Storytelling can be especially useful in maintaining languages in multi-linguistic families, which could otherwise be lost.

Parenting in the digital age requires parents to find an appropriate balance. The digital generation is growing up in an environment where information and imagery are ubiquitous. They will use technology. The question is whether they will be influenced by the algorithms of technology or the power of human connection. Stories have more to offer than just the flow of tales. They offer perspective. They slow down time. They create an emotional common ground between parents and children across the generations.
Before presenting your child with technology at mealtimes or bedtime, it may be worth examining what is being given up. A quiet story, narrated in a familiar voice, can be very effective in stilling an agitated mind. In that steadying lies its enduring value.