What Every Parent Should Know About Babies and Technology
Tech-savvy toddlers? Indeed. One mother of two swears she never even taught her 17-month-old daughter how to unlock the iPad. "Every time she sees the iPad she goes for it," says 37-year-old Brooklyn mom Lucia Madueno, in Heidi Evans' NY Daily News piece.
Her story is not unique, according to a report by Common Sense Media which claims that 38 percent of babies under two years old are now using tablets or smartphones on a somewhat regular basis. This number is up ten percent from just three years ago. Certainly if we grown-ups are more attached to our devices than ever before, it would stand to reason that our children, even the ones barely forming sentences, are demonstrating a fascination that mirrors our own. Handing over an iPhone can be a quick fix before a temper tantrum ensues in public, an easy distraction at a restaurant, a source of entertainment in the car or on the subway. We've all seen it happen, and a lot of of us are probably guilty of participating too. After all, what harm could there be in letting our child play with a tablet for a few minutes if it means some peace and quiet?
Unfortunately, though, we just don't know enough about how technology may be (negatively or positively) affecting our kids. While there are plenty of cartoons and programs aimed at the diaper-wearing set, education experts cannot say the same about technology. In fact, child development experts say that "less--or no--exposure may be best in the first 24 months." We simply don't have telling information about the impact of iPad fixation or similar device random on a tot's neurological or cognitive growth.
Even The American Academy of Pediatricians has been reluctant as yet to issue any specific guidelines regarding how much time (if any at all) is OK for a toddler to spend with such an advanced, adult device. For now, until more studies have been performed and definitive conclusions drawn, it's probably best to practice moderation. Be prepared on long trips or in situations where you may be required to keep your kid occupied with books, games and hand-held toys. Your smartphone? Maybe not.
Once your kids start getting bigger, there'll inevitably come a time when technology plays a larger role in their lives, but until then, focus on games and projects that are suitable for their little selves. The children's art kits featured in the slideshow above are an excellent place to start.
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