Computers and Kids - What do You Think?

well..this could be interesting! You’re getting quite a range of responses. I’m for later is better..that is introducing the computer when it can be used as a tool..not earlier to be used as a toy. I’m interested in seeing other parents’ rationale.

Thanks for posting this quiz!

If we want to get into child development… kids learn through play, so assuming that you provide structure and limits (and choose good software that requires action rather than passivity), how is a computer any different from another toy? It’s sedentary activity, but then so is reading a book. I feel that when combined with good parenting and software, a computer is an excellent tool for learning.

I voted for ‘between ages 3 and 6,’ because I felt that was the best of the answers that was provided, but I would think that between 2 and 4 years would be a better answer.

Like TV, kids likely don’t benefit from computer time before age 2 years. And by age 5 or 6, they may already be using computers at school.

For older toddlers and preschoolers and even school age kids, I would stress that like all things, moderation is the key. And remember that the 1 to 2 hours of TV time that the AAP allows each day (or really sets a limit on), includes computer, video game, and internet time.

I deliberately didn’t use the 2-4 range because it seemed too easy!

I wonder, Vince, is it that kids don’t benefit from computer time, or that it’s potentially harmful? My son is surrounded by computers (literally) and so, despite my efforts to avoid electronic toys, has been introduced to them at an early age. He just turned two and has learned to recognize the entire alphabet, as well as a animals whose names start with each letter and the sounds they make (do you know what a Urial is?!). The learning was inadvertent – it just so happens that the only thing he’s old enough to do is to play a game that shows an animal each time you press a letter on the keyboard – but it is learning, nonetheless. He plays with it maybe once or twice a week for a short period of time.

I don’t think I’d necessarily recommend starting a child that early for many reasons, but we are a high-tech household and to him it’s no different from trying to sweep, driving in his play car, “helping” with laundry, etc. He’s mimicking what he sees us do when we’re working. In fact, he has a keyboard to play with (not attached to anything) that we originally used to keep him away from the real thing. I intended to have a no-TV, no-electronic toys policy until my kids were a bit older, but it’s easier said than done in a house with two early adopter, mega-techie parents!

I’m interested to see if the AAP revises their suggestions as research grows on the subject. I don’t think using a computer and watching TV are the same (at least, I don’t think they need to be the same). TV watching is passive, despite efforts to make it a more interactive experience. Computers have the potential to be so much more than that if you can weed out all the crud.

Interesting discussion. I’m not a parent, but I’ve watched my sister struggle with these same issues. She’s working on a PhD in early childhood development, and her daughter recently turned four.

So much interactive, educational TV and software is a joke. Young kids need conversation and play, not cartoon animals that dance on the screen when you push a button or a TV program that encourages them to yell at the machine.

Yet, technology is pervasive in our lives. I couldn’t raise a child and not introduce him to the computer at a very early age. It would be like trying to keep him from mimicking other actions I do frequently, and I wouldn’t want the constant message to be, “No, no, no, do what I say, not what I do.”

So, unless I can get all the computers and smart phones and PDAs and such out of my house (and that’s not happening!), I’ll introduce my kids to the computer when they show a persistent interest in it – so I voted for 1-3 years old.

Computer for age 2/3 is much more interactive then television. “Click on the letter B” and all that– works well, they really start to recognize it. Sorry, but some of us non-granola parents have to do things like balance the checkbook and etc. I can’t be my child’s personal jester ALL THE TIME.

We limit screen time but also are a high tech household. My DH is in the entertainment industry (talk about challenges!) and I teach online – we are online all day.

MY DS, at 5, watches a video every weekend or so but that’s the limit to his screen time. That’s not to say I don’t use the computer to get images, find information or print out dot-to-dot sheets with my DS. I just don’t buy computer games or let him go to kid’s sites or watch TV.

As Vince points out, in nuanced tone…

“…Like TV, kids likely don’t benefit from computer time before age 2 years. (and also reiterates in his post “Taking Charge of TV” “… the AAP recommends no screen time before 2”).

Interestingly I noticed that the Entertainment Software Rating Board starts their rating with age 3…perhaps meaning children under 3 shouldn’t use video games? – see post at:

http://pediatrics.about.com/library/byb/aabyb_video_games.htm

So, I have to say, before 3 is probably not appropriate for computer use. “Introducing” a child to the computer before 3 or even before 5 seems to me to be “introducing” them to a new toy or way to pass the time. I struggle with going there when there are BETTER TOYS than computers with which for them to play …I’d love to hear your thoughts on this, Vince.

So, I’m not really crunchy granola and do, like everyone have “things to do”. And have been known to, on occasion, with much guilt, yup, plop him in front of the TV so I could GET SOMETHING DONE!

Independent screen time (computer or TV) is certainly easier for ME…but, I’m not sure it’s better for him. So, I’m not planning to introduce him to computer games, game boys or game consoles anytime soon. I try to not just entertain him but also teach him to entertain himself – not always successfully but, geez…what did my grandmother do?

BTW- I’ve spent 20 years marketing products to kids so am aware that manufacturers of computer software for kids aren’t necessarily and usually aren’t child development experts. I was responsible for launching a kids software product and I truly believed I was doing a great thing…I was a clueless 20-something with a business degree and no background in anything related to child development except coursework in “marketing to children”.

I believe that the rating system for video games is due to the fact that kids under the age of three almost never play games without a parent and the games are rarely designed with that population in mind. They simply do not have the fine motor skills to do much more than peck at the keyboard.

We limit screen time for our son and rarely surpass the recommended time allowance for 2+. However, he has been watching TV since he was 1. Although we have plenty of video games in the house, I do not plan on introducing them any time in the near future. I agree with the Not Quite Crunchy Parent that kids don’t need video games and TV, but I don’t think using the computer should be equated with playing a video game.

I’ve been browsing the AAP website because I’m still trying to determine what they consider to be harmful about screen time in general. I am becoming suspicious that the association between TV and Computers is arbitrary. Yes, computer time can be passive, but it doesn’t need to be. I have been trying to find some sort of study about young children and computer time because most of the studies on media reference lack of social interaction, passive activities, viewing violent and sexual images, and exposure to commercial pressure. Although all of these can be true about computer time, none of them have to be. Yes, it shouldn’t be excessive and, ideally, it shouldn’t be used as a babysitter, but that’s true of pretty much everything. I’m still looking, but so far the only article I have found specifically about the use of computers is actually positive.

Here’s a study that suggests that computer time is beneficial for preschool students:
“Children who had access to a computer performed better on measures of school readiness and cognitive development, controlling for children’s developmental stage and family socioeconomic status. ”
View the abstract.

Honestly, I am surprised by how little research seems to be available considering how hard they’re pushing those time limits. That said, I don’t know why you’d need your 2 year old to be on the computer for more than 2 hours a day.

I did some research as well and here is a position statement from The Alliance For Childhood http://www.allianceforchildhood.net/projects/computers/computers_articles_call_for_action.htm

with some heavy hitters as signatories. I agree, Christy…little research seems to be published for parents on computer usage…that doesn’t mean it hasn’t been done though.

I think it is a real challenge for parents, me included to sort out the “popular wisdom” from the scientific facts on a wide variety of parenting issues.

I’m not swayed. The position statement is 7 years old and not based on anything other than “unpopular wisdom.” Where are the studies? If there’s no proof either way, it comes down to parental preference.

I do think that it’s important to make sure kids aren’t spending too much time on a computer and that they are using a set up that encourages good posture and safe use of the mouse, etc. Other than that, the complaints people make about computers can be made about reading a book. It’s a sedentary, solitary activity. It might expose children to violent and sexual information. It’s passive. And, much like good software, you can argue that a good book can stimulate creativity and learning. Reading can be a social experience, and there are plenty of activities you can do along with reading to facilitate further learning and socialization.

Computers aren’t the problem. Poor software is a problem. Lack of parental support, education and supervision is a problem. Until someone shows me proof that there is danger in moderate use of a computer combined with parental supervision, good software and healthy ergonomic workspace design, I will continue to advocate for all of the above.

I don’t think it’s necessary to introduce kids to a computer at a young age and I do believe that many parents will make the mistake of allowing too much computer time, especially without parental supervision. I hope that this site helps educate parents on to set limits and have computer time be as high quality as possible. In the meantime, I’m going to continue searching for some actual research on the matter.

Here’s an interesting article from the November 2007 Monitor on Psychology. There are several articles in Internet use in the issue:Monitor on Psychology.
Here’s a quote:
“They found that children who used the Internet more had higher scores on standardized reading tests after six months, and higher grade point averages one year and 16 months after the start of the study than did children who used it less.”

I’m not a huge proponent of Internet use for kids, but I found this series of articles intriguing.

as a parent, i believe later is better. if they’re not doing homework or some type of research i prefer for them to something more active. i do not allow my kids to have a myspace or face pic or any other social networking profile online. there’s absolutely no need for it. they go to school with kids their age and they attend church with kids their own age and i know of the kids and their parents. its better that way. i dont have the added worry of wondering if a person is actually a 14 yr old child or an adult trying to lure my child. as a father im already alittle over protective of my kids but i should be. today there are ppl preying on our children and im not about to hand my kids over to them. this reminds me of article that i read in the newspaper about the mother who’s daughter killed herself over an internet hoax. that is so sad and it breaks my heart especially knowing that an adult helped with the cruel joke. the internet does have a range of good information but it also can do alot of harm. we as parents need to take back control of our lives with our kids. spend alittle more time with them so they dont need these extra avenues. i know we’re busy with work and maintaining households, but we need to make allowances for our family and kids.

I’ve been debating whether or not to mention the story of Megan Meier in the blog since it’s such a sensitive topic.

I think it’s important to make a distinction between computer use and Internet use. There are plenty of activities kids can engage in without being online. I think a lot of parents don’t realize that when your child is online, they’re out in the world on their own. If your child isn’t old enough to be out without you, they aren’t old enough to be online without you.

Thanks for your comments… I think it is important to remember that kids don’t NEED the Internet (or a computer, for that matter) and that it’s up to us as parents to make responsible choices.

I think computer use should begin as young as the child can be plopped down to watch television. I have 4 children, 10 to 18, and we bought our first computer in 1997. As soon as they could sit in my lap they learned the joy of the interaction of the computer “learning” game. We have never bought cable or disc television, have just the 4 basic tv channels, and all of my children are super students. I think any time spent interacting with them is the key. And I don’t think there’s anything wrong with popping in a video either!! Though limiting time with all technology is the second way to make it work best for all of us. The first is to manage our use of it. Those responsible choices everyone here mentions.

The only reason a kid wants a computer is strictly for video games and internet porn sites. Thats it, there not interested in virus protection software or microsoft office features. They only care about three simple things:

1) Can i play games on it?

parents: you mean those flash games?
child: no i mean actually good games.

2) Does it have internet access?

parents: oh, so you can do your homework?
child: uh yaah, sure.

3) Is it up to date?

parents: what do you mean?
child: *sighs*

i am in school and i am doing a research project right now on internet i voted for the 3 to 6 cuz i think kids should see internet and just maybe get to no about cuz it can make them smarter and more aware of the internet later on