Technology for Babies and Toddlers

Studies have shown that children who are exposed too early to technology like iPad games etc affects their concentration ability. Not to mention lack of exercise. Kids should be playing and running. Not sitting in front of screens that might also affect their eyesight. It is extremely unhealthy for young children to be exposed to such technology. I would say reading books, outdoor games, sports and board games are best for children. TV should be minimum (ie. one or two cartoons). Introduce educational computer games only when they have started school.

We have lots of technology in our house.
My Hubby is a Computer IT guy.
Although our kids (who are 5 and 9) are well versed in technology, we do not use it as a "Babysitter" nor do my kids use it in a crazy way.
They are not hung up on it nor are they on it all the time nor do we have it on all the time.
In fact they are mostly just very active physically and socially and don't spend much time on "tech" things.
But, even in school, they have computer class.
So although they are tech able and understand it, this is not a hang up of time for them or us.
In fact, we just had a rather large party here last week.
And everyone said how impressed they were with my kids because they are so socially adept and able to converse with adults and kids and they have self initiative and are so creative etc. And they were great "Hosts."
Even if, they were helping a woman at the party, with her iPad that she brought over.
Being tech able, has not, hampered my kids in any way.
But as I said, they are not on tech gadgets, for a large proportion of time.
But they do know how.
And my kids are mostly being kids.... being outside, playing and socializing. In our family, tech things does not in any way, take away family time. Because, that is not what the focus is in our home.

In homes where technology is being used as a "Babysitter" and as passive spectator entertainment... then that is another thing all together.

There is a BIG difference, in a child being Tech able... and a child being Tech Addicted.
My kids are Tech able.
They even know, at their ages, how to make a stop action movie. And how to edit it on the computer and finish it to completion.
This ability to me, is not a "bad" impact of technology upon a child.

Below, see what the nation's pediatricians, including developmental pediatricans, had to say just last month on this topic. They say, bluntly: "Young children learn best by interacting with people, not screens."

I know that already there are kids who can't seem to ride in a car without that flip-down TV screen entertaining them; do they know how to look out the window and just imagine things? Do they have conversations with their parents while on the road (conversations about things other than what they're watching)? Parents love to let kids play with their smart phone because it keeps the kids, even babies, occupied; but doesn't that mean the adults are interacting with the kids that little bit less? That the kids are getting more used to having a screen in front of them that little bit more? I worry that children are so used to wanting, and eventually, needing someone else's ideas, images and content prettily presented in front of their eyes that they will lose any ability to sit down, be alone with their own thoughts, and create anything of their own that isn't based on....what they've already absorbed through media. Kids are equating having fun or being entertained with having a screen in front of them. The villain used to be the TV screen but at least that stayed in one spot; now the screens are anywhere, any time.

I'm not against technology. I'm for parents having to interact with kids and kids having to entertain themselves with their own imaginations. Please, no flames from parents who say "I would go insane if I didn't let little Joey have my smart phone once a day." That's fine, as long as once a day doesn't mean an hour at a time, or every single day. And the plea of "It's educational!" CAN be true but how many games touted as educational really aren't, and give us as parents an easy out for letting kids have that screen time so they don't fuss?

In December 2011, the American Academy of Pediatrics issued this statement about children and media:

"Studies have shown that excessive media use can lead to attention problems, school difficulties, sleep and eating disorders, and obesity. In addition, the Internet and cell phones can provide platforms for illicit and risky behaviors.

By limiting screen time and offering educational media and non-electronic formats such as books, newspapers and board games, and watching television with their children, parents can help guide their children's media experience. Putting questionable content into context and teaching kids about advertising contributes to their media literacy.

The AAP recommends that parents establish "screen-free" zones at home by making sure there are no televisions, computers or video games in children's bedrooms, and by turning off the TV during dinner. Children and teens should engage with entertainment media for no more than one or two hours per day, and that should be high-quality content. It is important for kids to spend time on outdoor play, reading, hobbies, and using their imaginations in free play.

Television and other entertainment media should be avoided for infants and children under age 2. A child's brain develops rapidly during these first years, and young children learn best by interacting with people, not screens."

I feel like just because it exists and our world relies on technology, does not mean it's appropriate for toddlers. It does not mean they need to learn it so young, or it benefits them. Toddlers should be getting dirty, learning the world, reading, playing...not in front of and using technology. They will need to know it, but they don't need to so young. I don't care if it's "educational." It's simply NOT the best way for them to learn.

I hear people saying all the time "It's great when we're waiting, when we're in the car, when I need a break, etc." My son doesn't need those things, because he's never even been introduced. They don't need those things to get through those times. It's because, parents think they do. They don't want, what they don't know.

When my 4 year old asks for her zoodles game on my phone (very educational!) vs. Spongebob, I'm happy.

Sad, unnecessary, and unfortunate.

I think its interesting how technology for younger grades is being lauded at schools in lower SES while those at higher SES are actually taking it out of the school, or rather, using is more judiciously.

After viewing your profile the last time you asked about sign language - I feel a bit like I could be being used.

Here I have to wonder if you're trying to expand your sign language classes to online, and want to get a feel for how moms would react.

Your questions don't feel like a parent seeking help or discussion. They feel like a survey - with you basically saying "here is today's topic - discuss".