Will you let your babies/children to play iPad?

[thanka2]

[QUOTE]

I see nothing sad about that video at all - what is really sad is the comments within that video.

I also didn't think anything was "sad" about it...including the comments on it but I did think it was moving and made a very clear point.

But, as far as our opinions being different on this subject, I don't think that's surprising to either of us.

One of the other concerns I have is the potential effects of radiation from using electronic devices that are hands-on (cell phone; iPad etc.) with young children. This topic hasn't been fully studied yet and recent studies point to very real possible adverse effects.

As far as children becoming tech-savvy (regarding a comment from another poster)--I think if we wait until 2-years-old the kids will be just fine.

Everyone chooses their own boundaries with their children based on the information they have. I have chosen to wait until later to let my children have "screen time" and there is basis for this which is not just some draconian ban or decision based on a blanket statement.

Other people may be fine with their children having a constant entertainment, technology and stimulation flowing through various devices in and outside the home. I also love technology and am fond of my gadgets but...I also like solitude and sitting and listening without doing anything and I want my children to have a grasp on this--not be reaching for an iPad or iPhone at the first hint of boredom.

For us, we feel like our children already get more than enough stimulation (especially on the street in HK!) that we prefer to have the TV off most of the time and allow all of us some time to think without having to be stimulated--I think it might be a dying art, actually but for us I still think it's valuable.

While screen time may not actually HARM my children (in any obvious way) I don't always see the benefit. As a teacher, I teach children who often have a hard time focusing in a traditional classroom--largely due to being constantly over-stimulated everywhere else. So, until every school can have iPads for every student to interact with, I think there is value in teaching children that they don't always have to have a screen to entertain them.

So, yes, it is about balance but just because we have chosen a boundary doesn't mean we're not balanced or informed about our choice. I think my children benefit from this.

[2010-NewDad]

I'm quite glad my parents didn't ban me from "screen time" - in fact they actively encouraged it and bought a computer when I was 5 or 6. Like most children, I enjoyed it and become proficient using it. I am sure my lifelong interest in technology was nurtured from an early age and it's been extremely positive for my life & career. I doubt the world is going to become less technology & communication centric going forwards.....

Everything in moderation.

[thanka2]

One note, regarding the article...I guess a tech designer for kids would probably have a bias toward technology. :)

[thanka2]

I'm quite glad my parents didn't ban me from "screen time" - in fact they actively encouraged it and bought a computer when I was 5 or 6. Like most children, I enjoyed it and become proficient using it. I am sure my lifelong interest in technology was nurtured from an early age and it's been extremely positive for my life & career. I doubt the world is going to become less technology & communication centric going forwards.....

Everything in moderation.

Sure. That's great. But, how many hours/day were you allowed to use your computer? And you said you started at 5 or 6? Not as an infant? Yes, that's the point I was making--everything in moderation. And "moderation" means different things to different people as I have pointed out above. We each have a unique experience and the way we raise our children is unique based on our own sensibilities--which are neither right nor wrong but just that...our own.

As for my experience...I didn't have a (shared--not personal as my family couldn't afford that) computer until I was 17 (gasp!) and technology has also served me well in my life and career--also having an appreciation for the more spiritual/intangible things in life has served me equally as well. Knowing how to sit quietly and reflect and ponder and debate and all those things you actually kind of need to "unplug" in order to do...have been immensely beneficial. I want my children to develop all of their intelligences and so we spend time focusing on different aspects.

I think I am starting to fit the profile of a slow parent. Lol!

[Biggie]

A few months ago I was trying to make flashcards/tools to teach my boy math but guess what, someone else already done that and it its nice and animated and inexpensive to play online. We visit those sited with our son sometimes and other times he logs on by himself. It is interactive, you have to click and choose the answer etc.
Like all things, there are parents who is proud their little kids can use the computer and there are others who just frown upon it. Why is two years old a magic cut off anyway? Especially if every child is supposed to devoplop differently
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[2010-NewDad]

Sure. That's great. But, how many hours/day were you allowed to use your computer? And you said you started at 5 or 6? Not as an infant?

I can't remember to be honest, I am sure my parents managed it appropriately. The title of the thread mentions children and several posts have mentioned strictly limiting computer time to children of 5 or 6 which is why I mentioned it. I have seen plenty of toddlers play happily with iPads without appearing to compromise the development of their social or motor skills.

As for my experience...I didn't have a (shared--not personal as my family couldn't afford that) computer until I was 17 (gasp!) and technology has also served me well in my life and career

Sure, although it needs to be realized that times have moved on somewhat and not providing a home use computer until 17 now would probably hinder most of our children in his day and age.

Knowing how to sit quietly and reflect and ponder and debate and all those things you actually kind of need to "unplug" in order to do...

I think that is a given - nobody is saying children need to be "plugged in" all the time, in fact everyone on this thread has stressed moderation. Just as all the scare stories about "too much TV" were doing the rounds in my generation we're seeing the same now for computers/iPads..... with proper supervision I can't see any issue with it.

[thanka2]

I can't remember to be honest, I am sure my parents managed it appropriately. The title of the thread mentions children and several posts have mentioned strictly limiting computer time to children of 5 or 6 which is why I mentioned it. I have seen plenty of toddlers play happily with iPads without appearing to compromise the development of their social or motor skills.

We won't really know the effects until later, I think.

Sure, although it needs to be realized that times have moved on somewhat and not providing a home use computer until 17 now would probably hinder most of our children in his day and age.

Or maybe not. What do you define as "hinder"?

I think that is a given - nobody is saying children need to be "plugged in" all the time, in fact everyone on this thread has stressed moderation. Just as all the scare stories about "too much TV" were doing the rounds in my generation we're seeing the same now for computers/iPads..... with proper supervision I can't see any issue with it.

No one is saying that kids need to be plugged in all the time--this is correct. But, that's kind of what happens if the TV is on constantly in the background and kids know that the moment they get bored there is the iPhone or iPad to turn to. nicolejoy mentioned something about not putting kids games on her iPhone for this reason because if her children know that that device has games they will insist on using it.

I don't know much about the "too much TV scares"--I do know people my age who are very wrapped up in media and TV--a lot of them--it's kind of the whole package that comes with it. Maybe if they were watching less of it when they were younger it might be different. I find it kind of boring and not intellectually stimulating but if you're fed a diet of it when you're a kid it becomes a part of who you are. It's really hard to define "what could have been"--would things be better if we all watched less TV as kids--maybe got less messages about how we're supposed to look/behave/be through the TV? Who knows?

But, since iPads and iPhones and computers are so accessible it's easy that these just become the go-to for kids and parents. They are tools and they are useful, I think--as Biggie said above--she sought out a program specifically to help her son with math. There is value. There is merit but for us, I don't want my child to be dependent on it for his entertainment, engagement and stimulation--and if it is a constant, every-day part of his life, I think it creates a type of pacifier for him that I'd rather have him not depend on. I'd rather him seek out creative ways to make things and explore and interact with people than turn to a device. That's simply us.

They don't call it "Crackberry" for nothing. iPad is powerful just because it is so interactive--kids (and adults) can't help but fall in love with it.

[howardcoombs]

...everything in moderation. And "moderation" means different things to different people as I have pointed out above.

No computer usage at all or exposure before 2-years-old because "screen time" is not recommended for children younger than two.

Moderation has it levels but banning things outright fall outside the limits of moderation. The 2 statements above are conflicting.

There is absolutely nothing wrong with letting a kid/toddler/baby watch a limited amount of screen per day. There is no harm in it and shame on anyone (eg American Academy of Pediatrics) for trying to make parents feel guilty about exposing their babies to harmless entertainment.

We didnt have IToys when my 3 were babies but we did have baby Einstein and we utilised those DVDs many many times for our own sanity and our babies amusement.