We are the generation that has witnessed the complete evolution of technology. I can recall when mobile phones were first introduced. From desktop computers to laptops, tablets to smartphones, to AI technology, the transition continues.

When I was a child, the internet had not even been introduced, so we had limited access to technology. Our primary sources of information were our parents, teachers, textbooks, newspapers, or magazines. Whenever we had random questions, we would approach our parents, and the answers we received were usually based on their understanding of the matter, or highly controlled and filtered, meaning that only the knowledge they wanted us to receive was imparted.

However, this era is both highly advanced and dangerous. Our children have access to the entire world with just one click. We are no longer their primary source of information. They can easily access information from various sources, including social media, websites, and search engines and they typically come to us when they have trouble digesting the reality they have found on the internet, and they want to hear our perspective on the issue. Here, the responsibility lies with us.

If we believe that we can filter the information and train their minds as we were trained, then we are living in a fantasy. It is time to be truthful and talk to our children about the actual realities. Children these days want a logical explanation for everything, whether it is from a religious standpoint or a day-to-day matter. You can’t just ask them to follow the religious rituals without making them understand the actual spirit of it.

The concept of freedom of speech has been ingrained in everyone’s minds, especially since the advent of social media. I remember when we were taught to respect our elders no matter what. This concept was good to some extent. However, as awareness grew and cases of child molestation, even within families, started to appear, parents needed to discuss the issue of good and bad touch with their children, even from close relatives. This has blown away the old concept that “elderly figures are always respectable.”

Now, we cannot simply order our children to be nice to every person around them, even if that person is causing them trouble. It is only by having these conversations that we can prepare our children to face the realities of the world. The reality is that, in this era, we have to give logical explanations to our children on every matter.

In conclusion, while the evolution of technology has brought many benefits, it has also brought new challenges. As parents, it is our responsibility to be honest with our children and to give them logical explanations for everything. By doing so, we can help our children to become responsible and well-informed adults who are prepared to face the challenges of the future.

If we fall short in this duty, we risk the heartbreaking consequences of our children seeking validation from those who may not have their best interests at heart. Let us rise to this challenge and do all we can to ensure that our children have the best possible start in life.