Journal #5

I think that 21st century punishments are a good, fair idea. Before technology became such a part of everyday lives, just keeping kids stuck in their room was a punishment because they had no way to contact or interact with their friends or other fun things. Now when kids are grounded or sent to their room, they have their cell phones, game systems, and laptops to still entertain themselves. Being sent to their room with all that technology is hardly a punishment! Most kids would rather be using their phones, laptops, or game systems then talking to their parents anyway! Good punishments in the 21st century do have to do with limiting or simply taking away the kids access to their technology. Kids and teens depend on their cell phones, and laptops to stay connected and entertain themselves. Getting them taken away really limits the teen's ability to interact with others, which what the parents want. I have an iPhone now, but before I got that, I had a separate iPod and cell phone. My parents knew that my iPod meant more to me than my cell phone did, so when I would get in trouble, I would just get my iPod taken away. A punishment like taking away the teen or kid's personal laptop, cell phone or game system teaches them to maybe read a book, or play with other non-electronic things. Parents want their kids to be able to function in the real world, without the help of electronics, and that is why they punish kids the way they do. As I get older, instead of getting my phone or iPod taken away, I will get my car keys taken away. It has not happened yet, but getting my keys taken away would be a terrible punishment. I really enjoy driving, and I like being able to depend on myself to get places. After receiving my license, I think that it is kind of embarrassing to have my parents drive me anywhere. These are all good examples of a fair 21st century punishment.