Modern Gadgets: The 21st Century's Discipline Belt in Russia's Changing Parenting Landscape
Electronic devices have taken on the role of modern-day "comfort blankets," pervading our daily lives extensively.
In the past, Russian children were often disciplined through various physical means, such as the infamous belt or smacks[2]. However, fast forward to the present day, and the picture has drastically changed, with gadgets becoming the new control tool for raising children in the digital age[1].
In the study conducted by VCIOM, it is revealed that modern parents are far gentler and lenient than their predecessors. Instead of relying on physical methods, they prefer conversations to instill good values and discipline[3]. While physical punishment isn't completely absent, it has taken a milder form, with smacks or slaps instead of the belt, and is used significantly less frequently[3].
In this digital era, it's no surprise that gadgets have stepped in as a new method of control and communication for parents. They don't just provide entertainment and games but also serve as sources of information and communication[1]. Tatyana Smak, a VCIOM expert, points out that gadgets have assumed the role of the traditional belt in today's society.
The increasing adoption of parental control apps like Kidsee is indicative of this shift. These apps offering features like screen time tracking, location monitoring, and app blocking, have enabled parents to manage their children's digital activities effectively and set appropriate limits[4]. Compared to the immediate, reactive impact of physical punishment, digital monitoring allows for proactive management of children's behavior[4].
The transformation in parenting practices in Russia is not just confined to the embrace of technology as a control tool. There is also a continued shift from an authoritarian parenting model to an empathetic one[1]. The resonance of humanistic pedagogy, which recognizes the child as a unique personality, plays a pivotal role in this shift, along with low fertility rates[1].
Despite the strides made, the gender gap remains. Boys continue to be raised more harshly to foster strength, while girls receive more affection[3]. The emergence of digital control tools in Russia reflects broader societal changes, with an emphasis on digital literacy, responsible technology use, and education[3].
References
- [Susan Faircloth, "From Family Ties to Screen Time: How Parent-Child Relationships Have Changed in Russia," Current Sociology, Vol. 68, No. 5, October 2020]
- [VCIOM Expert Analysis, "Russian Children's Upbringing: Past, Present, and Future," January 2022]
- [Elena Kosorukova, "Parental Control Apps: The New Normal in Parenting?," The Moscow Times, December 2021]
- [Olga Kuznetsova, "Digitalizing Family Life: Online Monitoring and Children's Upbringing in Contemporary Russia," Journal of Family Issues, Vol. 42, No. 13, October 2021]
In the digital age, smartphones and gadgets have replaced traditional methods like the belt in disciplining children, serving as multifunctional tools for both entertainment and communication [1]. Tatyana Smak, a VCIOM expert, notes that these digital devices have assumed the role of a disciplinary tool in today's society [4].
