Toddlers and Modern Technology – Advantages and Disadvantages
Is it time for a nap or for an app? Today, it’s not about whether your kids will become computer literate, but when. So, when is the right time for your baby to be introduced to modern technology? While some experts think that children who are able to use computers, smartphones, tablets and similar devices early on are better geared up for school, others don’t agree with that. For the latter, too much technology can be dangerous for toddlers. If you’re a parent, you might wonder which approach is correct. To help you decide, we’ve gathered some advantages and disadvantages of toddlers using computers, tablets, smartphones etc.
Advantages
Manipulating mouse, pushing keys and touching screen are activities that provide fingers and hands workout, similar to one toddlers would get from doodling, finger painting etc. Tuning motor-skills will lead to honing eye-hand coordination, a skill that’s crucial when kids learn to catch and throw a ball, put together puzzles, use scissors etc.
You know how toddlers are happy when they’re playing with toys that can be manipulated, such as pop-up books or toys with buttons, switches, keys, levers etc. For them, a computer is an interesting toy that can be manipulated; almost anytime you click on an icon or character something happens. But, there’s more to it; this way they learn “cause and effect”, which is incredibly important to understand.
Toddlers can use computer to learn about things (for instance, by watching learn colors videos) to explore the world (you can show them animals and plants they can’t see in the nearby zoo or botanic garden) and even to socialize with other people (by using video chat calls). Let’s face it, adults are using computers for the exact purposes, why wouldn’t kids do the same?
Disadvantages
Computers, smartphones and tablets are undoubtedly interactive, but the interaction is usually between the screen and the user. Nevertheless, in order to build social skills and develop empathy, kids should interact with other people and modern technology cannot provide them that.
Toddlers like to touch everything, because it’s the way they learn about themselves and the world around them. Hands-on time is therefore incredibly important for them; by using computer, they cannot, for example, learn to stack several blocks in a way that will prevent them from tumbling down.
Too intense sensory effects such as bold colors, loud sounds and flashing lights can overwhelm kids. In case they become nervous or irritable after using a computer or similar devices, it would be the best to decrease and limit their screen time. For example, you can take your kids outside to play with other kids, read them a book and do similar old-fashioned activities instead letting them watching cartoons or playing video games. Too much stimulation can make children less capable to focus on and pay attention to quieter and simpler activities and mediums.
Modern technology is undoubtedly mentally stimulating, but people, especially toddlers, need to move around! Being physically active is crucial for building muscles and for discovering what human bodies are able to do. In addition, if your kids establish bad habits early on and spend too much time sitting or lying, they might continue to do the same later in life. Limiting sedentary time and incorporating more fun and entertaining physical activity is a good way to prevent your kids to become couch potatoes.
Conclusion
In my opinion, taking the middle road would be the best solution. So, make the most of modern technology, but be moderate and realistic about it. While software and hardware could be another interactive toys to help your kids learn and explore the world, don’t park toddlers in front of a computer as if it was an electronic baby-sitter.
