Should Toddlers Be Using Computers?

Recent studies conclude that over 90 percent of Americans own one or more forms advanced computer technology, such as a cell phone, video gaming device, tablet or laptop.  Outside the home, computers are plentiful, as well.  Classrooms, libraries, retail outlets and coffee shops all provide various forms of electronic access.  Our children are certainly growing up in a digital material world.

Accessibility is a given, but just because it is accessible doesn’t mean it’s a necessity.  Parents today face the challenge of determining the appropriateness of technology use for their children at a very early age.  It’s certainly natural for babies and toddlers to be attracted to cell phones, but should they be allowed to use them?

While it’s a stretch of the imagination to consider a two-year old in diapers as a competent computer whiz, there are some benefits to introducing a young child to a computer including:

• Better eye-hand coordination
• A stronger and earlier developed cause and effect relationship understanding
• Learning opportunities (shapes, colors, numbers and the alphabet)
• Some studies have shown children who start using computers during their toddler years have enhance technical learning skills in later life.
• Provides an additional way for you and your child to connect

That being said, there’s always another side to the story and there are also real drawbacks to early computer usage such as:

• Ineffective use of computer technology as a babysitter.  Adverse effects of too much screen time have been connected to child obesity, behavioral problems, sleep problems, and impaired academic performance.
• Lack of one-on-one interaction. A computer screen offers no personal interaction.  Interacting with parents helps develop social skills along with cognitive learning.
• A real mess to clean up…all that gooey gunk they get in the keyboard, on the mouse and of course their smudgy fingerprints on the monitor screen!

All kidding aside, (though a toddler really can gunk up a keyboard,) if you’re inclined to introduce your toddler to the world of computers, consider establishing/following a few guidelines:

1. Many pediatricians recommend that a child should be at least two years of age before being introduced to either television or computers.
2. Limit the amount of time they’re on the computer. Television, hand-held games, video games and computer time is all called “screen time” by pediatricians. Combined, it should ideally be less than one hour per day.
3. Make computer time a joint activity. When your toddler is on the computer, stay with them and make it an interactive event for the two of you.
4. Wait until they show an interest. Instead of walking your toddler over to the computer and turning it on for them, wait until they ask or show an interest in it.
5. Finally, choose age-appropriate games. For toddlers they should have simple images, and be brightly colored and friendly. The goal of the game should be learning oriented and the language used should be easy for them to understand.

What are your thoughts?  Do you think two is an appropriate age to introduce your child to computer technology?  What guidelines have you established for your child’s computer usage?