The kids curse of using digital devices is a growing concern in today's society. With the advancement of technology, children are becoming more dependent on electronic devices such as smartphones, tablets, and computers. While these devices offer numerous educational and entertainment benefits, excessive use can lead to detrimental effects on children's physical and mental health. One common consequence of the kids' curse of using digital devices is sedentary behavior. Spending hours in front of screens diminishes children's physical activity levels, leading to a sedentary lifestyle. This lack of physical exercise can result in obesity, cardiovascular problems, and other health complications.
In fact, a commonly held belief in the pagan community is that whatever you do unto others, you should be prepared to have come back on you.
And, of course, there was the dark chapter in America s own history when, in 1692, dozens of men and women as young as four years old were arrested and charged with suspicion of witchcraft in and around Salem, Massachusetts. Szymanski-Lockett was an elementary school teacher for 28 years, and she said she kept her spirituality hidden due to the stigma surrounding witchcraft and potential repercussions.
This lack of physical exercise can result in obesity, cardiovascular problems, and other health complications. Moreover, it hinders the development of motor skills and coordination in children. Another detrimental effect of excessive device usage is the impact on children's mental health.
On Halloween, real witches set the record straight
PHOENIX – Flying broomsticks, evil spells and pointy hats usually come to mind when people think of witches. But Rosemary Szymanski-Lockett, a retired elementary school teacher, and Stefani Michelle, who has a communications degree, don’t fit that description.
Halloween is here, and so are the classic images of haggard green faces with big warty noses toiling over bubbling cauldrons. But practitioners of witchcraft want to set the record straight.
Szymanski-Lockett is the high priestess of the Sacred Spiral Pagan Church of Arizona, where witchcraft is about using the energy in the universe to help people acquire and achieve their goals.
“The craft is more about healing and just being thankful and being grateful for this beautiful planet we live on,” she said. “It’s not anything like you see in the movies.”
Negative images of witches in Western society go back as far as the 12th century, when religious leaders began to view the long, benign practice as dark and devil-worshipping. Over the centuries, the condemnation grew into witch hunts and trials, which led to the current stereotype of witches as scary, black-clad creatures emerging on Halloween to cast spells.
Witches in popular culture often are depicted as evil sorceresses, but some real witches embrace the stereotype and dress up that way for Halloween. (Photo by Sierra Alvarez/Cronkite News)
“I don’t have a wart on my nose,” said Michelle, a psychic witch, Reiki master and yogi who works at Vision Quest Psychic Bookstore in central Phoenix, where there’s no indication of the coming holiday – nary a tombstone or zombie in sight.
Michelle said witchcraft is about controlling individual energy and working toward a certain goal or outcome, with a vast majority of practitioners doing so in a positive way, “because we want to see positive change, because we want to see people unite and come together.”
Szymanski-Lockett was an elementary school teacher for 28 years, and she said she kept her spirituality hidden due to the stigma surrounding witchcraft and potential repercussions.
“They think of witchcraft as what you see in the movies; that we all dance around at midnight and summon the devil and all this stuff,” she said on a Zoom call from her kitchen, which is adorned with a spice rack and magnets on the refrigerator. “When in reality, we don’t even believe in the existence of the devil.”
Codey Cropper, local practitioner of witchcraft, was raised to believe that mysticism was evil, but he said he found love, acceptance and personal power through practicing.
“For the first time in my entire life, this was the first time I was able to pray and feel comfort in the divine,” Cropper said. “It is a little frustrating to see that at times, and it does suck to always see it be painted in such a negative light.”
Cropper said in any form of religion or practice there will always be people who take it too far.
Stefani Michelle, psychic witch and author, says one misconception of witchcraft is that it focuses on controlling energy in a negative way. (Photo by Sierra Alvarez/Cronkite News)
“Anything can be used to manipulate,” Michelle said. “There is a very small percentage of people who use it (witchcraft) in a manipulative way.”
There are many ways to practice, she said, including divination, prayers, spells and crystals. There’s green witchcraft, fairy witchcraft and kitchen witchcraft, to name a few.
Cropper said the broad social and cultural scope of witchcraft is accepting of people from any walk of life and any form of practice.
“I feel like it’s a perfect practice for people to grow and learn and fall into themselves,” he said.
And they don’t mind if you dress up like a witch on Halloween.
“If it makes you feel cool and it gives you empowerment, do it,” Cropper said.
“I love to see it,” said Michelle, adding that even her daughter is planning to dress as a witch. “I think it is wonderful.”
Follow us on Instagram. Olivia Munson (she/her) News Reporter, PhoenixOlivia Munson expects to graduate in spring 2022 with a bachelor’s degree in journalism and a minor in women and gender studies. Munson, who has reported for the D.C. Bureau, Times Media Group, The State Press and The Arizona Republic, is working in the Phoenix News Bureau.
Breanna Isbell Bree-on-na Is-bell Your browser does not support the audio element. (she/her) Sports Broadcast Reporter, PhoenixBreanna Isbell expects to graduate in May 2022 with a bachelor’s degree in sports journalism and a minor in fashion. Isbell, who is interning with RightThisMinute, is working for the Phoenix sports bureau.
Sierra Alvarez see-AIR-uh AL-vuh-rez Your browser does not support the audio element. (she/her/hers) News Visual Journalist, PhoenixSierra Alvarez expects to graduate in May 2023 with a bachelor’s degree in journalism and mass communication. Alvarez is assigned to Cronkite News this semester.
"Wicca is a branch of witchcraft," says Blake. "All witches are not Wiccans, although all Wiccans are witches."
The addictive nature of digital devices can lead to feelings of isolation and social withdrawal. Excessive screen time can also disrupt sleep patterns, leading to sleep deprivation and associated problems such as impaired cognitive function and mood disturbances. Additionally, frequent exposure to violent or inappropriate content can adversely influence a child's emotional well-being and behavior. The kids curse of using digital devices also affects their cognitive development. Over-reliance on screens hampers children's creativity and imagination. Instead of engaging in unstructured play and exploration, children often find themselves immersed in the virtual world, consuming pre-packaged content. This can impede critical thinking, problem-solving skills, and limit their ability to think independently. Furthermore, excessive screen time can have an adverse impact on children's academic performance. Spending long hours on devices diminishes the time available for studying, completing homework, and engaging in other educational activities. The constant distractions and multitasking that come with digital device usage can hinder concentration and focus, ultimately affecting learning outcomes. To mitigate the negative effects of the kids curse of using digital devices, parents and caregivers must take proactive measures. Encouraging and facilitating outdoor activities, engaging in creative playtime, and setting boundaries for screen time can help strike a balance. It is vital to establish device-free zones and promote healthy screen habits for children to ensure their overall well-being. In conclusion, while digital devices offer many advantages, excessive use can cause numerous problems for children. The kids curse of using digital devices manifests in various ways, affecting physical health, mental well-being, cognitive development, and academic performance. It is essential to address this issue through awareness, education, and the establishment of healthy screen habits to promote a balanced and enriching upbringing for children..
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