Looking into the Future of Home Automation for Kids

In a world of new and rapid-changing technology, the younger generation may never have to touch another light switch or carry around keys in their backpacks. With the emergence of the Internet of Things (IoT), the way kids are learning, playing, and communicating is changing in dramatic ways. Affecting their lives in unprecedented ways, it is inevitable that these IoT devices and the presence of smart home automation systems will have a profound impact on children. But how will designing a home using IoT benefit everyday life?

Technology has taken a massive leap from what it used to be years ago when parents had to dial up to gain internet access. With rapidly changing technology, these are now a thing of the past. Kids these days are more exposed to emerging technologies and are living in homes that are decked out with smart home automation solutions. Now with the COVID-19 pandemic accelerating digitalisation of all aspects of an individual’s life, there has been an increased reliance on digital devices. Give a kid a smartphone or a tablet, and within a few minutes, they would have figured out how to use it. Even toddlers are well aware that smartphones must be swiped!

This technological boom means that the little ones are becoming more adept at using technology from a very young age. And to cater to their advancing expertise, parents have to adapt their lifestyles and living spaces accordingly too. However, with the constant immersion in technology, it is normal for parents to be concerned about how it might impact their child’s development.

Concerns Parents Have About Technology

In every home, technology has a strong foothold. As such, it is only natural that parents be more aware of how their children are using technology and its potential effects. This is exactly what a study by the KK Women’s and Children’s Hospital (KKH) and the National University of Singapore set out to analyse. Their research demonstrated that when kids spend time in front of their screens for a long time, they have disrupted sleep, nightmares, behavioural difficulties, and more. From lowered attention spans to the lack of privacy due to the intense presence of technology, it might seem like integrating more tech gadgets into homes can have a negative impact.

Busting Myths: Do We Need Smart Homes?

But if technology and increased screen time are what impedes social skills, triggers troubled sleep  and brings about behavioural challenges, should parents be concerned about building a smart home? The short answer is no.

Unlike most technologies in the market today, smart home automation solutions have two main aims – increase convenience and provide greater safety and security. Helping with the management of daily routines, reducing the efforts of mundane domestic tasks, and creating a more comforting atmosphere, smart home automation systems are a whole other ballgame.

It is common that technology often gets a bad rep, but when used effectively in moderation and leveraged specifically to solve everyday problems, the advantages will undoubtedly outweigh the drawbacks. Moreover, the future demands automated attentiveness. And for that very reason, parents are responsible for preparing their children for what is to come.

Ways Smart Home Automation Can Help Families

Given the wide array of automation solutions, designing a smart home is easier than ever. From helping with back-to-school routines to ensuring child safety, there are many things parents can do to transform their smart home into a kid-friendly one. Here are some of the best ways:

1. Monitoring

Most smart home automation systems can be controlled on apps like the HomeAuto app. This way, parents can monitor their kids and make daily routines easy. With access to all your smart home technology like a smart lock, you will be able to receive data on the little things that your kids are doing alone at home and respond remotely in case of emergencies.

2. Health

Who would have thought that your house can help take care of your kid’s health and well-being? Smart home automation can make bedtime more relaxing and easy for both parents and children. You can even create a predictable nighttime routine by utilising tech like a smart motorised curtain, smart lights and smart plugs. 

3. Safety

All parents know that toddlers are extremely adventurous and curious – and their escapades can sometimes get them in trouble. Smart devices like a door and window sensor can sense movement and instantly send push notifications, informing you that your bundle of joy just might be exploring unsafe places in the house. Have queries about HomeAuto and our smart home automation solutions? Contact us at [email protected], and our assistants will offer you more information on how to transform your living space into a kid-friendly smart home in Singapore