Electronic tablets are considered an educational tool, becoming an integral part of the learning process in a child’s life. However kids could easily become addicted to using these tablets leading to learning or behavioral problems.
Is the iPad bad for kids?
A survey in late 2011 carried out between 2,200 parents and children in Britain and United States reports that 15% of kids between the ages of 3 and 8 have used their parent’s iPad, 9% owned an iPad, while 20% had their own iPod. According to the survey, 77% of parents believed the use of tablets helps to nurture their children’s creativity.
However, some researchers believe tablets could cause developmental difficulties and problems including autism or attention deficit disorder. Some, like Rosemarie Truglio, from the children’s TV producers Sesame Workshop believe its all about balance. She notes that children require adult-child interaction. Interactive doesn’t necessarily mean educational.
Lisa Guernsey, author of “Screen Time: How Electronic Media — From Baby Videos to Educational Software — Affects Your Young Child,” urged parents to establish limits on use of electronic devices. She believes those who readily blame tablets for child developmental problems should differentiate “between a cause and an association.”
Annie Murphy Paul, author of “How the Nine Months Before Birth Shape the Rest of Our Lives,” said there’s no need to panic. According to her, the brain is complex and ever changing. You learn something new each time. Paul does control the use of tablets with her own children though. She is concerned of the value for younger children.
What do you think folks? Aside from the fact that it could be bad for their eyes if they spent too much time on an iPad, do you think it is bad to get your child an iPad? Sound off in the comments below.
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