THE
LATEST TECHNOLOGY GADGETS ARE BECOMING TOYS FOR CHILDREN
The use of technology gadgets among children is increasing day by day. The young children are fast and quick to learn about technology, as compared to adults. The mothers usually use their mobile devices (with internet facility) as a means to keep their children busy and quiet.
According to Ms. Weber, at Fisher Price, “We see 6 month olds batting at the screen, 9 month olds swiping and 12 month olds pointing out objects to see”.
Stacy Debroff, CEO and founder of Mom Central Consulting stated “Even at age of 2, children know how to slide open an iPhone, and they know what game they want to play”. Business marketers in the pace of constant technology improvements and its increasing usage, aims to develop latest technology appliances for toddlers because such appliances have become toys for young children. The strong demand of such latest technology gadgets in the market attracts business people.
The development of technology, especially touch screen devices such as iPhone and iPod is more attractive and simple for toddlers to use. The mothers of young children want their kids to learn about digitalized devices or technological advanced gadgets, but at the same time they are concerned about their child’s health and safety. The mothers have some parenting questions related to the usage of technology, such as which is the appropriate age for children to start using technology, which type of technology to be used at which age, how much time is enough per day for a kid to use technology gadgets, how much should be the screen time at a specific age, and the like.
No doubt, technology has its own important place in our lives because of its unbeatable advantages provided in various forms. The use of computers helps toddlers to develop eye and hand coordination by pushing keys or using mouse, or by touching screen; learning cause and effect relationship; developing recognition power, color identification, learning shapes and sizes; gaining knowledge by playing word games and puzzles; and the like.
But, some people do not agree to allow toddlers to be with computers or technology, and believe that human interaction can never be replaced with any type of technology. The interaction with other people helps children to build human relations and social skills, such as communication skills, empathy power, and so on; and provide knowledge and fun. According to some people, toddler growth is dependent on the physical play and builds the child’s muscles and physical strength, and makes them understand what they can do.
The author of “Baby 411”, Dr. Ari Brown, a pediatrician in Austin, Tex. said about the infants, “They learn how to communicate, how to engage with others and how to problem-solve using their five senses. While technology can offer a virtual way to learn some of these skills, they will never replace the value of interacting with humans or being able to manipulate and play with toys in one’s hands.”
The parents are struggling to analyze the pros and the cons of using the technologically advanced devices by young children at early ages. The parents want their kids to be technology savvy but aim to maintain a balance between traditional physical play and technological play for the health and the safety of their children. The people indulged in the business related to the production or innovation of latest technology, or technology gadgets, and the like need to understand the point of view of the parents for the long term success of their business.
Sources:
1. http://www.nytimes.com/2012/07/08/technology/in-a-fisher-price-lab-apps-are-childs-play-prototype.html
2. http://www.nytimes.com/2012/07/15/business/letters-technology-and-toddlers.html
3. http://www.deseretnews.com/article/865558574/Toddlers-and-touch-screens-pros-and-cons-for-parents-to-consider.html?pg=all
4. http://moms.today.msnbc.msn.com/_news/2012/07/02/12484491-survey-when-should-kids-tune-in-to-technology?lite
5. http://www.public.site1.mirror2.phi.emarketer.com/Article.aspx?R=1009031
6. http://www.whattoexpect.com/toddler/toddler-learning/young-children-and-computers.aspx
The use of technology gadgets among children is increasing day by day. The young children are fast and quick to learn about technology, as compared to adults. The mothers usually use their mobile devices (with internet facility) as a means to keep their children busy and quiet.
According to Ms. Weber, at Fisher Price, “We see 6 month olds batting at the screen, 9 month olds swiping and 12 month olds pointing out objects to see”.
Stacy Debroff, CEO and founder of Mom Central Consulting stated “Even at age of 2, children know how to slide open an iPhone, and they know what game they want to play”. Business marketers in the pace of constant technology improvements and its increasing usage, aims to develop latest technology appliances for toddlers because such appliances have become toys for young children. The strong demand of such latest technology gadgets in the market attracts business people.
The development of technology, especially touch screen devices such as iPhone and iPod is more attractive and simple for toddlers to use. The mothers of young children want their kids to learn about digitalized devices or technological advanced gadgets, but at the same time they are concerned about their child’s health and safety. The mothers have some parenting questions related to the usage of technology, such as which is the appropriate age for children to start using technology, which type of technology to be used at which age, how much time is enough per day for a kid to use technology gadgets, how much should be the screen time at a specific age, and the like.
No doubt, technology has its own important place in our lives because of its unbeatable advantages provided in various forms. The use of computers helps toddlers to develop eye and hand coordination by pushing keys or using mouse, or by touching screen; learning cause and effect relationship; developing recognition power, color identification, learning shapes and sizes; gaining knowledge by playing word games and puzzles; and the like.
But, some people do not agree to allow toddlers to be with computers or technology, and believe that human interaction can never be replaced with any type of technology. The interaction with other people helps children to build human relations and social skills, such as communication skills, empathy power, and so on; and provide knowledge and fun. According to some people, toddler growth is dependent on the physical play and builds the child’s muscles and physical strength, and makes them understand what they can do.
The author of “Baby 411”, Dr. Ari Brown, a pediatrician in Austin, Tex. said about the infants, “They learn how to communicate, how to engage with others and how to problem-solve using their five senses. While technology can offer a virtual way to learn some of these skills, they will never replace the value of interacting with humans or being able to manipulate and play with toys in one’s hands.”
The parents are struggling to analyze the pros and the cons of using the technologically advanced devices by young children at early ages. The parents want their kids to be technology savvy but aim to maintain a balance between traditional physical play and technological play for the health and the safety of their children. The people indulged in the business related to the production or innovation of latest technology, or technology gadgets, and the like need to understand the point of view of the parents for the long term success of their business.
Sources:
1. http://www.nytimes.com/2012/07/08/technology/in-a-fisher-price-lab-apps-are-childs-play-prototype.html
2. http://www.nytimes.com/2012/07/15/business/letters-technology-and-toddlers.html
3. http://www.deseretnews.com/article/865558574/Toddlers-and-touch-screens-pros-and-cons-for-parents-to-consider.html?pg=all
4. http://moms.today.msnbc.msn.com/_news/2012/07/02/12484491-survey-when-should-kids-tune-in-to-technology?lite
5. http://www.public.site1.mirror2.phi.emarketer.com/Article.aspx?R=1009031
6. http://www.whattoexpect.com/toddler/toddler-learning/young-children-and-computers.aspx
It is sometimes scary to see how kids play with technology since they are not even one year old. In one hand it makes life easier form parents and also kids get to learn about technology since they are very little. On the other hand kids are losing more time to learn social skills. I personally don’t like when parents let their kids play with technology to ease the load but I can understand that in today’s busy world parents have a lot in their plate
ReplyDeleteI completely agree that it is important to maintain equilibrium between the two - rapidly improving technology and everlasting social skills. In my view, it is equally important to build social skills in the children, as it is important to make children techno savvy in this world of technology.
ReplyDeleteI am going through this current event right now as a parent. My five year old, when we are at home, is always on his I-pod or my I-pad. I always wonder if it is ok for him to constantly play with the I-pod. I know when I was growing up, I was outside playing, getting dirty and learning about life. My son plays soccer and does karate, but other than that, he is not outside playing. He plays with the technology in the house. Is it a bad thing? I don't know the answer.
ReplyDeleteI also have a 14 month old little girl who in the past few months as begun to learn how to use and I-pad. Yep, a 14 month old can unlock the I-pad, find the photo's button, push it, and then she knows how to swipe the screen to change pics. She even knows which one's are videos and she knows how to make them play. Rarely does she play with her other toys, like dolls, or whatever. She wants the I-pad. Once again, I don't know if this is a bad thing or good thing.
My wife and I also have 8 other nieces and nephews and they are all very similar. Almost all of them have and I-pod and if they don't have an I-pod, they are playing on their parents phones. Technology for kids is just a way of life nowadays. And I think it is only going to become a bigger part of their lives as they get older.
Right Allen, technology has become a major part of our life. I strongly agree that the role of technology is not only important, but also it is impossible for us to survive without the technology. But, in my view the role of parents is important here and they have to maintain a balance, and try to improve their child's both physical and mental capabilities altogether.
DeleteI do not think kids using technology at young ages is a bad thing. I watched TV and played video games occassionally, but also played outside everyday with people my age. In some ways I think the Ipad is better because it allows kids to be more mobile and makes it easier for parents to take the Ipad with them places instead of sitting at home. It becomes a problem when there is too much technology use and not enough social interaction. So just making sure kids take breaks and do other activities is probably key. It probably also depends what the kids or toddlers are learning. For example, if they are learning how to count or their shapes it becomes a positive use of technology.
ReplyDeleteI fully agree with you. It is important for kids to learn both, technology and social interaction, because both of them have their own advantages which are helpful in future lives. We should aim to gain advantages from both, instead of missing one's advantages and concentrating only on the other.
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