RESULTS OF META-STUDY CALL FOR MORE LOVE IN RELATIONS MUCH MORE THAN USE OF TECH TO COMMUNICATE FOR CHILDREN TO THRIVE
William Jeynes, Professor
Dr. Jeynes stated, “I was surprised by the magnitude of the results. I have done meta-analyses for many years and when an academic undertakes them, one has to allow the numbers to guide him. When I first started doing these meta-analyses about 25+ years ago, many aspects of family dynamics were thought of in a simplistic way. Often, academics and practitioners approached family dynamics in much of a “how to” way. However, through various meta-analyses I have done and my experiences in counseling, it is apparent that this other approach contributes to a sense among families that these are naïve ivory tower strategies. If we want children and adolescents to behave better and do better in the classrooms, the answers are not simply holding to certain household rules or parents volunteering in school. Rather it really helps if they come from families whose marriages are stable, enjoy positive and frequent communication between parents and their children, and whose family enjoys solid relationship with the teachers.”
Dr. Jeynes continued by asserting, “Technology can be wonderful, but these meta-analyses
call for wisdom and caution, regarding technology’s place in family and school life. Families, educators, and society at large should view technologically based communication as a way to support in-person interaction, not replace it. Too often people view texting, emailing, posting via social media and other apps as a means of saving time and increased convenience. However, cutting corners in this way can also reduce the efficacy and quality of communication. Moreover, the meta-analyses results suggest that often perhaps the message sender is thinking primarily in terms of how he or she would benefit much more than what the recipients of the message need. As a result, the sent communication is long on convenience, shortcuts, and brevity, but short on warmth, guidance, and helpful communication. Consequently, the originating correspondent often comes across as curt, cold, and discourteous. The results certainly don’t indicate that we should leave technology out of the process pf improving relationships, communication, and children’s behavioral and academic outcomes. However, what is does indicate is that there is a place at which we can rely on technology so much that it does more harm than good. It is concerning that in so many facets of our society, we are probably already at that place. A balance that emphasizes loving and healthy relationships is a much better strategy.
William Jeynes
NA
+1 714-397-7763
email us here