Children and technology – the pros and cons
Young children are getting increasingly more advanced in technology as they already know how to operate electronic devices by the age of two.
Children get a lot of exposure to technology on a daily basis and this can be both good and bad.
The pros and cons of children using technology are:
- Pros
Fine-tuning skills
Children’s hands and fingers are given a valuable “workout” from a young age as they are pushing keys and swiping with their finger as they would with finger painting or doodling.
These movements also contribute to hand-eye coordination.
Teaches cause and effect
The devices teach children about cause and effect – when they press on a button or template on the screen, something will happen and change.
They then explore more and try to see what each movement or action will generate.
- Cons
Not enough people time
Children need to learn how to interact with people to develop their social skills.
If they want to play non-stop games on a phone or computer, it can develop into fear of social situation and possibly the child being an introvert.
Not enough hands-on time
Children learn about the world around them by touching and testing everything in sight.
A hands-on approach is needed for them to figure out how simple things work and why they don’t, such as how to stack three blocks on top of the other without them falling down.
There are things that computer screens cannot teach children.
Not enough activity
All people, but especially children, need to be active.
Physical play is crucial for a child’s growth and health and if they are playing with technology for too long, their muscles may not build the way it should for you children.
Set a good example:
Limit screen time to specific hours of the day, other than specified times, it’s playtime outside.
Set a good example by not carrying devices around the house so that it is in constant view of the child. Set time aside where no technology is anywhere in sight.
Source: www.whattoexpect.com
