Technology and Early Learners
The world has experienced a technology boom over the last twenty years. With technological advances came wider availability, leading to younger technology users. This begs the questions: What are the effects of increased technology use on some of our youngest users, how much technology is too much, and what activities can be done instead of screen time?
The Effects of Technology Use on Young Children
It is important to note that the impact of technology on young children is not strictly negative. When high-quality programming and educational programs are used for young children, they can improve both their early reading skills and cognitive development, promote inclusivity, and encourage imaginative play in young children (Muppalla et al., 2023).
While there are positive effects of screen time, it can be easy to overuse or not use high-quality programs, which can lead to developmental delays. Common developmental delays that can be seen in young children who are over-exposed to screens are delays in communication, fine motor, problem-solving, and social-emotional skills (Rogers, 2023). “One study of 2,441 mothers and children, led by University of Calgary psychologist Sheri Madigan, PhD, found that more time per week spent on screens at ages 24 months and 36 months was linked with poorer performance on screening tests for behavioral, cognitive, and social development at 36 months” (Pappas, 2022).
The negative impacts that we see in children are typically seen in children two years old and younger. Pappas (2022) states that children between the ages of three and five years old are more susceptible to learning from high-quality programs, such as apps that teach early reading skills or television shows such as “Super Why!” or “Daniel Tigers Neighborhood.” Pappas (2022) also states that children gained the most insights from these television shows when they watched the shows with a caregiver and then parents discussed with their children what they watched and learned from the show.
Recommended use of Technology
When discussing the recommended use of technology, it is more than just the recommended time young kids should be on screens; it is also the type of content that they should be engaging with. High-quality educational content can make a significant difference in their learning and development. Children between the ages of three to five years old “can learn from slow-paced, thoughtfully designed children’s media” (Pappas, 2022).
Mayo Clinic Staff (2024) recommends that children under the age of 18 months do not use screens except for video chatting. Pappas (2022) states that video chatting should not be done without the physical presence of a caregiver, as children this young do not fully understand the concept of video chatting. Mayo Clinic Staff (2024) says that you can introduce screen time at 18-24 months of age, but to ensure that your child is engaging in high-quality programming and that they are not using screens on their own but with the direct supervision of a caregiver. Finally, the Mayo Clinic Staff (2024) recommends children between the ages of 2-5 years are limited to one hour of screen time for high-quality programming.
Engaging No-Tech Activities for Young Minds
Macaroni Necklaces- In this activity, children refine their fine motor skills by stringing noodles onto a string to make a necklace. Add a little personality to the necklace by letting your child paint the noodles once they have made their necklace.
Hide and Seek- This activity enhances problem-solving abilities as your child tries to find you or an object and find new places to hide themselves.
Reading Books- Reading books not only improves a child’s early literacy skills but also can have an impact on your child’s social-emotional learning.
References
Mayo Clinic Staff. (2024, June 19). Tips for setting screen time limits as a parent. Mayo Clinic. https://www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle/childrens-health/in-depth/screen-time/art-20047952#:~:text=Developing%20screen%20time%20rules&text=If%20you%20introduce%20digital%20media,doesn’t%20work%20as%20well.
Muppalla, S. K., Vuppalapati, S., Reddy Pulliahgaru, A., & Sreenivasulu, H. (2023, June 18). Effects of excessive screen time on Child development: An updated review and strategies for Management. Cureus. https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC10353947/
Pappas, S. (2022, June 30). What do we really know about kids and screens?. Monitor on Psychology. https://www.apa.org/monitor/2020/04/cover-kids-screens
Rogers, K. (2023, August 21). Screen Time linked with developmental delays, study finds. CNN. https://www.cnn.com/2023/08/21/health/screen-time-child-development-delays-risks-wellness/index.html
