By: Sarah Johnson
Updated: Oct. 13, 2023
Originally Published: Oct. 12, 2023
My 5-year-old son is captivated by the iPad. I’ve installed a few games for him, but his favorite feature is the voice dictation software. He articulates his thoughts carefully into the microphone, and the software dutifully transcribes his words: “I am a pirate, could you please type that?” His enthusiasm for the iPad is palpable; he adores it. In hindsight, I sometimes wish I had never introduced it to him.
Now my 2-year-old has also discovered the allure of the iPad, viewing it as a wondrous and prohibited object. He eagerly grabs it whenever we inadvertently leave it unattended, having figured out how to unlock it with a swipe.
The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) has long recommended no screen time for children under 2 and limited exposure to two hours per day for older kids. However, what I didn’t realize is that these guidelines were established before the rise of interactive apps designed specifically for young children. Could it be that these interactive applications are “better” for kids than passive screen time? One can only hope.
As a parent, I often feel guilty when I hand my child a device. Yet, there are times—like when I need to complete paperwork at the DMV or attend a medical appointment—that I must resort to using the iPad as a temporary distraction. It might be the only reason I manage to stay organized and healthy. Still, I can’t shake the feeling that I’m potentially harming my children in the process.
Research on the effects of different types of screen time is still emerging. Is engaging with shows like Sesame Street more beneficial than using an interactive app? As reported by journalist Emily Taylor in TechToday, studies in this area are in the early stages due to several factors: 1) the rapid evolution of interactive apps, 2) the challenges of creating lab studies that accurately replicate real-world app usage, and 3) difficulty in recruiting children for such studies.
However, Dr. Lisa Thompson, an expert in child development at the University of California, is investigating this topic, as Taylor notes.
To understand why the iPad is so appealing to young children, it’s important to recognize that interactive software taps into their natural inclination for “contingency.” For instance, if a child throws toys on the floor and a parent picks them up, the child finds this interaction delightful and may repeat the action. Interactive software amplifies this experience. When children swipe to unlock the iPad or tap an app to open it, they are entranced by the immediate feedback.
Dr. Thompson’s research examines whether this interaction enhances learning compared to passive viewing. She discovered that for children as young as 2, engaging with apps did promote learning. However, for children aged 30 months and older, they appeared to learn equally well from videos and interactive programs. Taylor writes, “This finding has significant implications. Encouraging children to actively engage with the screen may mitigate the well-known deficiencies associated with passive video consumption.”
It is crucial to note, however, that results from lab studies may not reflect real-world scenarios. The apps children use might be captivating yet devoid of educational value. Parents may inadvertently select apps that are either too simplistic or overly complex, resulting in minimal learning benefits. Generally, children learn best through face-to-face interactions, so researchers advise that parents should supervise and guide their children’s technology use instead of relying on it as a digital babysitter. Taylor suggests that “[a] tablet should thus be used as a tool to increase interaction with your child instead of a replacement for interaction.”
But this doesn’t address the quandary of needing a distraction while managing adult responsibilities, whether it’s a visit to the dermatologist or preparing dinner. The best I can do is thoroughly research the most beneficial apps for my children and use them judiciously. It’s reassuring to know that not all screen time is equal; sometimes, when life gets overwhelming, there’s indeed an app for that.
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Summary:
The debate over whether iPads and similar devices are beneficial or harmful for children remains complex. While interactive apps may provide some educational advantages, particularly for younger children, they should not replace real-world interactions. Parents are encouraged to monitor their children’s screen time and choose educational content wisely.