A Computer For The Baby?

I found an article in USA Today about computers for toddlers very interesting. (Image is The Vinci from this article.)

While I think anyone with kids has noticed their affinity to towards the Apple products (iTouch, iPhone, iPad), this article questions the wisdom of getting babies computers to play with. There are a few key questions here:

• Is it necessary?
• Does it accelerate their learning?
• Will it negatively impact them?

According to the article, 10% of kids below 1 and 39% of kids age 2-4 have used a mobile device. I guess the question I would have is whether this is simply for watching a video or for some actual educational purpose. The article quotes an expert saying that there is no evidence that educational toys are building brainier babies and the companies are simply preying on us parents that want to give our kids a headstart. Is it true?

I think technology has a role in our kid’s lives, but you have to think about it like TV and other things. Use it in moderation. Kids still need to learn by experiencing things. Kids still need to build with Legos. They need to get out and play. They need to read books. They need to draw and create things.

This is just a good reminder about the Kaiser study on the amount of screen time our kids have today.

The article also reminds you that the American Academy of Pediatrics recommends no screen time for kids under 2 and no more than 2 hours a day after that.