Screens for Toddlers: Balancing Education and Entertainment

Parents often hand over tablets or smartphones to their toddlers to occupy them. While such devices can indeed provide an entertaining distraction, this practice raises concerns among some experts and parents. Is it best to leave toddlers with screens, or should parents strictly limit screen time and engage with their children directly?

Concerns and Opinions

One parent, who wishes to remain anonymous, has a different view: I do find it strange when parents give toddlers tablets or smartphones to play with. Parents are the ones that should be talking and interacting with their child, not a screen. This sentiment echoed by another respondent highlights the importance of human interaction in a child's early development.

Another parent admitted, Yes, it would seem to be financially disadvantageous to the parent, but since it isn't my money, I keep my opinions to myself. This reveals a practical consideration where economic factors sometimes influence a parent's decision, despite their reservations.

Constructive Use of Tablets

However, not all parents share these concerns. Jennifer, a grandparent, shares her experience: My grandson has my old tablet. He doesn’t use it much these days though. We have on occasion taken it out with us to a restaurant or let him use it on the bus, but it's not connected to the internet. Only when we wish to download a new app for him does it get access to the internet. Jennifer's grandson only uses learning apps on the tablet. He has knowledge of his alphabet, colors, and shapes, even distinguishing between a hexagon and pentagon. He counts using apps, and his parents help him, but he remains enthusiastic about the educational content.

At 3.9 years old, Jennifer's grandson is ahead of his peers in numeracy and literacy. Jennifer downplays the commercial perspective, saying: Tablets are a useful tool if you don't let them overdo the screen time and use it for fun educational apps. This perspective suggests that with careful moderation and engagement, tablets can be beneficial tools in a child's learning journey.

Parental Involvement and Reward System

Another parent, Annie, has a unique approach: When I visit my grandkids, I take all my old phones and tablets with me so that the kids can watch free Mickey and Minnie cartoons, and whatever they like that mom and dad approve. This is only after all homework is completed and toys and clothes are picked up. I use it as a reward for good behavior and to get them to wind down after baths and before bed. Annie emphasizes the importance of homework completion and tidiness before allowing screen time for rewards. She also uses reading as a bedtime routine, enhancing the bond between parent and child.

Annie further shares her family's history of technological engagement: My own kids were learning computer programs at his office in the late 80s and 90s, and my husband took them to his office. My grandson was laptop proficient at an early age before so many programs were available for kids. This indicates that while today's toddlers may have access to more apps and digital tools, the fundamentals of learning and growth still revolve around parental involvement and guidance.

Conclusion

The debate over screens for toddlers is complex. While technology can be a valuable tool for learning and engagement, it should not become the sole basis for a child's education or entertainment. Parents should use technology selectively, ensure it serves educational purposes, and maintain a balance with direct human interaction to promote holistic development. By doing so, parents can leverage technology to enhance their children's learning while fostering a strong, supportive relationship.