In this technologically advanced era, kids do not really need an introduction to computers. In fact, from the time they start to grasp an object in their hands, children reach for the gadgets of all kids. Particularly our mobiles and computers which are in their reach. IT becomes their part of everyday life. No necessary introduction.
As a kid myself, I remember having access to the computer my parents bought when I was only 8 years old. And gradually got fascinated by technology and online tech. Basically, there is no right or wrong age to introduce your child to technology or computer.
What Does the Research Suggest?
- You realize looking at the smaller child-size fingerprints on your phone that it is time to introduce them to computer and devices to feed their curiosity and interest. Every parent in today’s world wants to expose their kids to computer or technology as early as possible. But there is research ongoing on this debatable topic and comes to a strong belief that the parents should wait. Research shows that young kids need to develop more of free play to develop their imaginative skills for classrooms. Even though to a parent or an elder it might look like a random aimless play, but the kid actually is undergoing an overall development. When they solve puzzles, or color the books, help in the kitchen, play with friends or any such activity, they are indeed learning problem-solving skills and coordination and much more.
- The answer to when to introduce kids to a computer by the experts might vary. But the answers coincide on the opinion to introduce it to them at the first or second grade to concur with their reading and writing skills. They recommend this age because that is the time they benefit from the exposure to technology and computers. Educational videos or educational games then make sense to the kids to play to gain of exposure to various knowledge via computers.
What is the Consequences of introducing the computer to kids?
A parent is always paranoid to expose their kids to computer because of the obvious reasons of doing more harm than good. If a computer is your kid’s new playground, then we must ask who are they playing with, what are they playing and overall, what are they learning?
- It is said that the time spent on gadgets could be hampering kids’ ability to connect to each other and also the real world. They form an imaginative world with machines. Keeping aside the factor of introduction to the internet, which is a completely separate discussion to be honest. For all the good that they can find there, negative influences are worse (YouTube, exposure to Ads, pop-ups, social media, obscene content, images and information that they do not need to learn about at early age). This is indeed some pretty alarming stuff for the parents and hence experts suggest to keep off kids from technology until a certain age.
- There are a lot of educational games that your kid can be engaged in like alphabets or drawing, building vocabulary or puzzle solving. These games are interactive and indulge kids into their thinking space to solve them. Kids learn from these games very quickly and in no time they might start using words which you will not be familiar to.
- Keeping the educational aspect aside, how does it affect the eyes? We were told since our childhood that watching too much of TV has a negative impact on our eyesight. Does this not happen with computers and mobile phones? The truth is of course Yes! Staring at the computer screen will cause permanent damage to the eyes. However, computers can also cause any discomfort in the eyes like eye strain, dry and itchy eyes, blurry vision, fatigue etc. Also, the exposure of the radiation from cell phones can cause early cataract and damage the eyes.
What Happens When You Wait until preschool?
- Just because your toddler likes to push a button on the phone and switch it on, does not mean they are ready for the computer. Children under the 2 years of age learn best from the real world with experiences and interaction with real people.
- Between the age of 2-3, kids learn to be gentle with the keyboard. There might be games with simple mouse movements but some which need a keyboard to play. It is good for a parent to teach the basics of keyboard and mouse to them. Kids need motor skills to control the mouse too.
- However, by age 3, many children learn to use electronic devices for educational content where they recognize the images an sounds. It surely does seek their attention.
- Kids have to be supervised and monitored by elders while using the computer or smartphones until the teenage.
Parental Guide To Teach Kids Computers/ technology:
- Parents should be closely involved in their child’s experience with electronic devices at a young age.
- Parents should be aware of what the kid needs to be exposed to.
- TVs and other devices should be kept in the common room where the kid’s usage can be monitored
- Share experiences about using technology (both good an bad).
- Engage your child in trying new apps and asking relevant questions about the game they play.
- Do not let them get addicted to it.
- Playing or being involved with your kids while watching a video on a computer could help in improving kid’s comprehension skills.
- Limit the screen time and adhere to it. It is recommended to have only half an hour usage per sitting for a 4-5-year-old kid.
- Set the right example as a parent to not overuse the technology/ computer or cell phones/ tablets in front of kids or while on the dining table.
- Teach your kid to exercise the eyes –if you look into the screen for 20 minutes, then, look away for at least 20 seconds to a distant object. Blink the eye regularly.
- Look at the age limit for a game or an app before introducing it to your kid.
Like anything else in our life, too much of anything can be harmful. In similar lines, technology and computers should also have moderate serving in our lives. Supervise your kid until the child is mature enough to follow the rules and guidelines of their own independent of age. Even then as a parent, every possible measure to have the correct impact of computer and technology on your kid must be taken care of.
