I
f you're a parent with a smartphone or tablet, it didn't take long before your little one rst reached for your shiny device. If only their ngers
weren't covered in slobber at the time, you may have been more willing to hand it over. The good news is that saliva is easy to wipe off! S'mores?
Not so much.
To your surprise - and theirs - learning how to swipe and tap objects to make them move on the screen came quickly and naturally. Oftentimes the challenge soon
becomes how to keep their hands off the device. It's perfectly acceptable, even beneficial, for young children to have these interactions with technology ... but only
with appropriate parental guidance.
How young is too young?
Young children can strengthen their interactions with other
family members, as well as improve their familiarity with sounds,
words, language and the world around them, through the
responsible use of technology. Most experts agree, however, that
children under the age of 2 probably shouldn't trade their rattles in
for tablets. There are enough real-world interactions to keep them
busy, and whether they play with blocks or pull the cat's tail, these
tangible experiences are important to their development. There will
be plenty of time to show them Angry Birds when they're a bit older,
so allow them to develop their senses by exploring, touching things
and even getting into a little mischief.
Once beyond the 24-month mark, you can begin introducing
technology to your little tyke. Chances are he or she may already
enjoy the privilege at preschool; many toddler day-care centers and
preschools now incorporate technology, from computers to tablets,
into their curriculum.
Kids' access to digital
media
Whether at school or at home, most youngsters interact with
screens before they turn 5. According to a survey conducted by the
Joan Ganz Cooney Center, more than eight in 10 children from age 2
to 10 use digital media every week. In fact, two-thirds have tablets or
e-readers. While the interactions are practically inevitable,
signicant parental and caregiver involvement can help steer them
in the right direction, ensuring kids are exposed to content providing
the best opportunities for learning.
Between laptop computers, desktop PCs, tablets, televisions and
smartphones, there's probably a screen in nearly every room of your
home. Although these screens can and often do serve as virtual
babysitters, games, apps and other content should be carefully
selected, and screen time should be limited to an hour or less a day
for toddlers.
Parental involvement
By using technology with your children, you'll introduce them to
the most benecial content, while also bonding with them over an
exciting, shared experience. Something as simple and fun as taking
turns in a game or reading together on a tablet can also help ensure
technology is being consumed in a responsible way that can educate
and aid development.
While education is key, it doesn't always have to be about learning
your ABCs and 123s. Plenty of games and apps combine learning
and entertainment experiences that are fun for kids. Checking the
ESRB age and content rating information in console and online
stores (like the Nintendo eShop, the PlayStation Store, the Xbox
Store and Windows Store) is a great way to nd appropriate games
for kids of all ages. ESRB ratings are also assigned to mobile games
and apps in the Google Play Store, complete with content descriptors
and interactive elements when applicable.
As your little ones mature from toddlers to tweens, their use of
technology as well as the technology itself will certainly evolve. The
breadth of content they enjoy will greatly expand, highlighting the
importance of parental involvement in managing and monitoring
their time with tech. Regardless of where our smartphones and
tablets take us, parental involvement and engagement is key to
ensuring kids enjoy a he althy, responsible relationship with
technology.