A preconception people have about technology is that it isolates people. But it actually has the ability to strengthen social skills! Without technology, I don’t know how any of us would have made it through the pandemic. When kids play games, they can have conversations and virtual chats and get on FaceTime or video calls. It promotes these social interactions we weren’t able to have before. Still, it’s good to place boundaries and time limits for kids, as extended screen time may affect them in other ways, such as their vision. And if kids don’t use it in social ways, it can definitely provide an isolating experience. Fortunately, technology provides so many new ways to share with each other, and parents can also use it to engage kids in other social ways. For instance, they can participate in tech use alongside them or start discussions about their interests and what they are learning or playing through technology. It can spark new conversations and ideas!