"Attention is a primary factor in both parenting and education. We talk about "paying attention, "attention-getting behavior," and "attention deficit disorder," for example. Most generally speaking, attention could be understood as a basic constituent and function of human consciousness.

 

From this point of view, what does it mean, for us and our children, that technology has "grabbed our attention?"

 

The author of this very fundamental article points out a phenomenon that is often ignored in the discussions of digital media: Young children imitate the tendency of the adults around them to be constantly distracted. She pleads that we not forget one of the most important tasks of educating young children: practicing the ability to direct one's own thoughts.