The advancement and availability of technology in smartphones and tablets resulted to almost all people in the US getting their hands on a smartphone and/or tablet. In these past years, a lot of cheap smartphones became available, some which rival the capabilities of the more expensive ones in the market. Because of this, it’s easier for low income families to become smartphone owners.
There are a lot of research and studies on the usage of smartphones and tablets among pre-schoolers. And although the
American Academy of Pediatrics clearly warns against toddlers having screen time, studies show that there is an increasing number of smartphone and tablet use among children under age four. Because almost all parents have a smartphone and tablet, children are naturally attracted to them.
Several reasons can be raised why parents allow their children use their devices. They do it to calm their child and keep them busy when the parents run their errands and do their work. They also use it as an educational tool, having the child learn language and other things through applications.
As parents, the way you introduce and guide your children in media experience is crucial in the child’s development. Here are some steps you can do that can help make smartphone and tablet use a learning experience for the child.
Limit screen time
There are a lot of educational applications that children will surely learn and enjoy, but there should be a limit on their use of these media. There may be no proven physical risk involved in children being exposed to digital media, but when children become dependent on these devices, their fundamental needs like sleep and physical interaction with parents may be interrupted, and it is not healthy for them. In their early age, teach them discipline that limits should be imposed, and in time they will be able to adapt.
Make screen time an interactive, learning experience.
The parents plays a huge role in the overall development of their children, and the great thing is that smartphone and tablet applications can be utilized as their tools in helping them learn. Participate in their screen time experience by asking them questions. Choose content that will enable them to learn a lot. Always be sure that you are there whenever your child gets screen time, because when you allow them to use it alone, it can substitute your role in the overall development of the child.
Connect the things children see and the real world.
Nothing can ever top a child’s learning than the parents guiding them things in the real world. When your child sees something on the smartphone and tablet, make the connection by letting him experience the thing in the real world. An example is when he sees a ball or a flower on the screen, show them what a ball or a flower looks like and help them label these objects in real life. Help them bridge the gap between the content they are exposed on the screen and real life experiences.
Limit your own smartphone use when you are with your child.
Children need a certain amount of attention from parents, and extensive smartphone and tablet use when they are present can be detrimental as this can easily distract them. If they don’t get attention from their parents, it might lead to negative behavior, which is not good for both.
We have come to this age where babies are born exposed to smartphones and tablets. And as parents, they need to be able to guide their child through the possible negative outcomes of excessive smartphone and tablet use. If it is possible, we advise to prohibit screen time until he or she grows a little older. The child’s development can be done without it. However, if you find it inevitable for them to use these devices, make sure that you guide them. With the steps given above, a child’s digital media experience can be helpful and rewarding for both parent and child.
You can find more information in
Zero to Three Screen Sense organization’s website with helpful guides in making your child’s screen time an interactive learning experience.
Photo credit:
Pixabay