Bright lights! Catchy music! And buttons, buttons, buttons! If it sounds enticing to you, think of how attractive that is to a curious child.
Now in the digital age of online learning, the question of whether or not young children should have access to gadgets is no longer applicable. Rather, how much? Allowing them to engage with video games and tools such as YouTube all have educational benefits to complement their online classes. But where do we draw the line?
Whether in the form of television sets or mobile phones and tablets, electronics can be found in most households. And because many electronic toys are geared towards early learning, adults tend to happily supply children with plenty of battery-operated toys.
But are we really doing our kids a disservice by giving them so much access to mobile devices and the Internet?
Why all the fuss?
The pre-school and elementary years are part of the sensitive period for child development. Children at this age easily absorb and retain information, helping them learn about and make sense of their surroundings through their daily interactions. This means what they need most at this time is a strong connection with their caregivers, especially their immediate family.
Of course, it was easier to keep small children away from gadgets when these devices were large and clunky. Now that they’re small, highly portable, and can connect to the internet without using physical wires, they can be used nearly anytime and anywhere. And with most people owning smartphones, dedicated caregivers can be easily distracted by messaging and social media. It also means a greater potential for reduced interaction with and for the child.
When children are heavily exposed to passive learning, usually through such electronics, they tend to lack social skills and develop behavioral problems. Also, according to the US National Library of Medicine, National Institutes of Health, the learning, development, and overall well-being of pre-school children are negatively affected if they are regularly and lengthily exposed to mobile devices. However, the complete removal of electronics is not feasible for many households.
The good news? You can work with these electronics rather than lament the damage they may do.
Quality over quantity
Children don’t need much to keep themselves entertained. Curate their toys well and you’ll find them playing with everything with greater care and focus. No need to start tossing things out—if you have plenty of toys, try toy rotation. It will make toys seem brand new again and you’ll find they enjoy the toys more and for a longer time.
For parents who allow screen time, do the same thing with your children’s apps and shows. You can do online research, ask fellow parents, or even better, try the apps out yourself so you can be sure that these are appropriate for your child. You can also use screen time controls (bonus for iPad users: there is a built-in Screen Time control in the settings!) to manage what apps they can use and for how long.
Balance is key
Set boundaries for the use of electronics, if you haven’t already. It would be preferable to keep pre-schoolers away from mobile devices. For your older kids, though, alternate periods of gadget use with real life experiences or outdoor activities. This helps set them up for successfully creating a healthy relationship between themselves and technology. Whenever possible, sit with them as they play—making yourself available to them helps assure them that they have your attention and that you’re ready to help should they need it.
You know you’ve set healthy boundaries if your child is easily able to set the activity aside when asked or when it is necessary, like at meal times. They should be getting enough sleep and be able to branch out into real life interests without the use of electronics. (Remember to keep gadgets out of your child’s bedroom—their room should be a place of rest, not of secret screen time.)
Creating the boundaries
One final tip in managing children and exposure to technology: learn your lifestyle and parenting style. It can take some time to do as you will have to observe your entire family’s habits so you can make the best decisions for your set up. But once you have found your rhythm, you’ll find that, despite being inundated with gadget naysaying, you will be at peace with yourself, knowing you’ve made the right choices for you and your child.
