Healthy Technology Habits Begin with Parents and Teachers, Says OMU Expert

Prof. Dr. Hatice Kumcağız says parents and teachers should model healthy technology use, strengthen communication with children, and address excessive device use before it develops into a broader behavioral problem.

Prof. Dr. Hatice Kumcağız, a faculty member in the Department of Guidance and Psychological Counseling at the Ondokuz Mayıs University (OMU) Faculty of Education, has emphasized the responsibilities of parents and teachers in preventing children from developing unhealthy patterns of technology use.

Kumcağız said parents should avoid excessive mobile phone use while spending time with their children, particularly when direct interaction and attention are needed.

She noted that when children become accustomed to constant access to phones and tablets at an early age, families may later find it difficult to set limits once the child starts school.

“Parents need to be careful about this,” Kumcağız said. “Instead of immediately giving a child a phone, they should ask themselves, ‘Why is my child behaving this way? Am I spending meaningful time with them? What does my child actually need?’ Parents need to observe and follow this closely.”

Parents Are Important Role Models

Kumcağız emphasized that children learn by observing the behavior of adults around them.

“In many cases, we are the ones modeling and encouraging the very behaviors we later complain about as parents,” she said.

She added that excessive dependence on technology can affect many aspects of life and may, over time, contribute to difficulties in communication as well as health-related problems.

Kumcağız also noted that tension or unrest within the family can lead children who feel isolated or lonely to turn more frequently to technological devices.

Technology Literacy Should Begin Before School

Kumcağız stressed that parents should become more aware of technology literacy even before their children begin school.

“A parent should not do something that they tell their child not to do,” she said. “Once the child starts school, teachers also need to act as role models. Children need to see appropriate behavior demonstrated in practice.”

She emphasized that healthy technology use cannot be addressed by families alone.

Continuous Communication Between School, Family, and Child

According to Kumcağız, communication among the school, family, and child should be continuous.

“This requires an interdisciplinary approach,” she said. “The responsibility does not belong only to the family or the teacher. School counselors, other teachers, administrators, and families all have a role to play.”

Kumcağız emphasized that consistent communication and positive role modeling across both home and school environments are essential to helping children develop healthier relationships with technology.