By Catto Healthy News reporters | We all use social media, send text messages, and send emails to connect with others.
The American Academy of Pediatrics says there are many benefits to these social communications such as connecting with family and friends, finding kids who share similar interests and hobbies, and interacting with people from different backgrounds.
However, these same experts also caution kids that there can be a downside to too much online communication, leading to problems such as obesity, poor posture, and building strong relationships.
Catto’s fourth-grade Healthy News reporters recently interviewed Mr. Jordan Harris, school counselor, about the advantages and disadvantages of
technology and online communication. This interview has been slightly edited.
Q: What’s your role at the school?
Mr. Harris: I work with students and make sure they have all the tools they need to be successful. You guys are my customers.
Q: How have you observed kids using technology to socialize online?
Mr. Harris: Technology is here to stay. There are a lot of positives and negatives. I have observed that students need to find a balance with technology. Although we use technology every day, kids need to find a balance and spend more time outside.
Q. What is the impact of technology on kids?
Mr. Harris: Technology keeps you connected with others. It can be used for personal and educational growth. It is important that kids use it not only just for fun, but also to be productive.
Q. What are the benefits of technology?
Mr. Harris: The positives are that you get to communicate with people you don’t know. And we use technology almost daily for education. Technology also makes connecting easier and faster.
Q. What are the risks of kids using technology?
Mr. Harris: Kids must always be aware when they are using technology. Kids should be aware of whom they are sharing their information with. Kids should never give out your personal information online, like your address or phone number. Kids should also be very careful of the types of websites they visit. Most importantly, kids should have a healthy balance of being online and actually socializing in person.
Q. What is important for people to know about using technology to communicate?
Mr. Harris: If you come across something or some one online that you know isn’t right, you should talk to your parents or a trusted adult immediately. If it doesn’t seem right, it is most likely not right.
Q: Is there anything else you would like to add?
Mr. Harris: I would say that the most important thing that I want kids to remember is that when it comes to technology, we all need to find a “balance.” There are plenty of ways that technology can improve your life. But you also need to beware that technology can have a downside. Inappropriate websites, cyber bullying, and child predators are just a few of the things kids should be very aware of. And I cannot stress enough that if something doesn’t seem right, always tell your parents or a trusted adult.
Illustration by Benjamin, 4th grade, Catto, 2025-26.
