Ask Dr. Bob
- Question
- Should I allow my toddler / preschooler to use a computer?
- Answer
- I think it is OK for children to use the computer as long as they are monitored closely and the amount of time they spend using these machines is limited.
To be honest, my preference would be to minimize computer use in toddler / preschool children and promote creative, imaginative and active play instead.
Let's face it, kids are going to be exposed to computers. Even if you don't have a computer in your house, they are everywhere. From a practical standpoint, learning how to use a computer is important today. With the rapid advances in technology and increasing computer use in school, children will need to be comfortable using these complex machines.
When children are exposed to computers at an early age, it seems it is easier for them to learn how to use them. I frequently need to ask my children how to use various functions on our home computer, and they are 13 and 11 years old!
Monitoring computer use is an important safety issue, especially when young children are using the internet. Children at younger and younger ages are using the World Wide Web to play games and access child-oriented sites. They can innocently stumble onto a web site that is inappropriate for them. Also, strangers could try to contact your child while using the internet. This is a real issue! Keep the computer in a public place in your home and know what your child is doing while on the computer.
The biggest problem with computer use in young children is spending too much time at the computer. It almost becomes a baby sitter. It isolates kids from interacting with other children. Young children need to play and to play with other kids. They need to learn how to develop relationships with other people. They need to develop physical and social skills. They need to develop their imagination and creativity.
Although some may argue, this is difficult to do when children are planted in front of a computer screen, even if the computer program is educational.
So, is it OK for toddlers / preschoolers to use computers? Yes, but limit computer time. Instead, get them playing. Arrange playtime with other children. Encourage their creativity and imagination. Do not use the computer as a baby sitter. Keep your children active! If your child protests and throws a temper tantrum because you limit computer time, stand firm. Remember, you are the parent! Yes, introduce them to the computer. Yes, allow them to use the computer. But encourage them to use their own computer – their brain – even more!
