Is technology today, with social media, texting, cell phones and computers making our kids anti-social?

Research on today's generation, who was born into this techno surge, have nero scientists and social scientists worried that it may alters a kid's brain functions, particularly in social skills....

7&4's Kate Fox went to the experts to ask the question -- does technology really does stunt a child's social development?

Kids are using technologies at ever- increasing rates.... According to data from the Pew Internet American Life Project, 93% of young people are now online, 73% are on social networking sites and 75% own their cell phones.

So with this increased access, comes new and ongoing research from experts, looking at how all that screen time, could affect your childs ability to communicate effectively.

NMC Social Science Professor Regis McCord, "Communication is complex. When you and I are talking, I can read your facial cues and your body cues and it tells me something about how my message is being received. It tells me some on how you're feeling about what i'm saying and so I can adjust what I say on the fly here. You lose that in an online setting, you lose that feedback that humans need to get."

To check out the 'Social Skills 101 Special Report' click on the video above.

ADVICE FOR PARENTS:

Because technology is only getting faster and more sophisticated, McCord says there's a few things you can do to counter act the negative effects of computers and cell phones. It's all about monitoring and setting limitations.

-Try to create opportunities that give children a break from being tethered to this type of technology: For example, if you are on vacation or a special family outting, put a moratorium on cell phone and computer usage. This means that parents have to set an example by also putting their smart phones aside.

-Limit the amount of time children can use their computers: The American Academy of Pediatrics suggests a maximum of 2 hours of screen time a day, whether it's the TV or the computer. Also it's important that the computer is put in a common space, so you can monitor the amount of time they are on the computer.