Tech and Toddlers: Is it Safe?

Technology use in preschool-aged children has been a hot debate for years. The truth is, love it or hate it, technology is a dominating force in our society, and the devices, platforms, and applications we use in daily living aren’t likely to be obsolete anytime soon. Technology is a constantly changing landscape for both children and adults. No matter where you look, technology use is proliferating, from booking appointments to games, work and checking in with friends and family. At this point, most of us can't imagine our life without technology.

So, where does technology fit in when it comes to preschoolers? There are relevant points that show technology is harmful for preschoolers, as well as reasons why it could have a positive impact. As any parent can testify, handing a toddler a smartphone or tablet to distract them at a restaurant, airplane or anywhere where a tantrum needs to be avoided can be a positive. Let’s look, however, at how it can help or hurt their development.

The Positives 

Children are naturals when it comes to technology. Have you ever handed your toddler your cell phone and discovered they could find YouTube or make in-app purchases in seconds? It's surprising to see so many tech-savvy toddlers, but from a development perspective, it's not hard to understand why. Children are born with an innate sense of learning and discovery, and as they watch their parents, siblings, friends or anyone with a smartphone, they are learning how to operate them.

Another reason for the ease of use for the under-five set is that screens are endlessly entertaining. They're colorful and bright and emit sound, and there's only so much else that compares with the allure of a screen. But is that inherently bad for a toddler?

Researchers suggest screen time is not as bad as we might think. Watching videos that teach and inspire learning is helpful for most children, within moderation. As the brain develops and grows, technology can take on a different set of good and bad characteristics, but for preschool-age children, most childhood development experts agree a little screen time each day is not harmful.

The Negatives 

As children get older – think elementary age and above – an addiction to technology, particularly video, games and social media platforms, can begin to take shape. Spending too much time on smartphones, tablets and computers can lower a child's ability to pay attention and concentrate. Additionally, screens have a naturally stimulating effect on brainwaves. Looking at a screen immediately before bed can affect a child's sleep, as the screen stimulates the mind and make it harder for them to fall asleep.  

Another negative aspect of technology that can affect children is the prevalence of social media platforms. Social media usage can hinder a child’s ability to recognize social cues. When interactions

Powering Up

We’ve looked at the potential positive and negative impacts of technology. So, where do you start with a technology plan for your child?

One way to position technology use is through what is called conscious technology use. Set limits for children, and reevaluate how technology impacts them as they grow. Know what your child is watching online or what games they’re playing, and as they age and get involved in their social media participation. Know whom they’re talking to online and discuss with them the potential dangers of the Internet.

Safe and responsible use of technology with children is possible. With the proper supervision, guidance and monitoring, preschoolers can get an edicational boost from technology.

Here are some of our top picks for preschool games online:

ABCmouse.com has learning games for kids ages 2 – 10, like reading, science and math. It is free for 30-days, then has a monthly subscription plan.

Homer is a toddler learning app, perfect for ages 2 – 8 and is also free for 30-days then a monthly subscription. The games are playful and build on early childhood development skills like thinking and social and emotional learning.

PBS Kids has many of your toddler's favorite characters leading them through games that are engaging for little minds. The mobile app is $4.99 per month. 

Turtle Diary has thousands of interactive learning activities for kids up to 5th grade. The online membership contains age-based online educational games and is used by school districts and teachers. For families, the monthly subscription fee is $5.83.