When are children allowed to use the computer? Some experts believe that children who can use a computer very early on are better prepared for school later, while others say that too much technology at such a tender age overwhelms children.
Read this article about the advantages and disadvantages of computers for children.
Advantages for children with computer
- The computer can promote fine motor skills
By pressing buttons and moving the mouse, small children’s hands and fingers on the computer receive the same training that they get from finger painting or doodling (even if this activity does not encourage creativity like artistic activities).
These fine motor movements also improve hand-eye coordination, which has a positive effect when your child learns to catch a ball, use scissors or put together a puzzle.
- The computer teaches cause and effect
It’s no secret that toddlers and preschoolers love toys they can do something with: B. Pop-up books and anything that has levers, switches and buttons. Because of this, children and computers go well together. They are happy that something happens when they click on a figure or a symbol or maybe choose the right letter or color.
Disadvantages for children at the computer
- Children at the computer lose social contacts
Computer games can be interactive, but typically only between the user and the screen. But people, especially young children, need to interact with other people in order to develop empathy, develop social skills, and have fun with other people. In addition, no educational software can replace your role as an educator.
- It does not offer enough practical and active learning opportunities for children on the computer
There’s a reason toddlers want to touch and grasp everything. This is how they get to know the world around them. Whether they are shoveling in the sand, stacking building blocks or mixing water with dirt and all these practical and active experiences are more valuable for a child than any activity on the computer
- Children at the computer receive too many stimuli
A toddler or preschooler can quickly be overwhelmed by all of these perceptual effects, loud sounds, bright colors, flashing lights and endless action. If your child is cranky or easily frustrated after a computer session, cut the time they spend in front of the computer.
Instead, let your child spend more time playing classic children’s games such as the bobby car, reading a book or kneading. Another problem that can arise when children spend a lot of time at the computer is the following: Children can become addicted to the stimuli from the computer and have problems concentrating on quiet activities such as reading or painting. Even simple games and non-high-tech activities might bore them.
- The computer encourages a sedentary lifestyle
Computers do stimulate the brain, but children (and everyone else) need exercise. Exercise is absolutely essential to a child’s development. Through exercise, children strengthen their muscles and discover what their bodies can do. So limit your computer time (and TV time) and incorporate lots of physical activities into your daily life, e.g. B. play on the playground, do handicrafts or gymnastics.
Conclusion: The computer has more disadvantages than advantages, especially for small children. Do not get your child used to the computer while they are in the process of discovering the world, as this could restrict their development and movement. You can support your preschooler with pedagogically valuable learning programs and prepare them for school if this is done to a healthy extent.