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Do Computers Hinder Young Children's Development?
 From the June 2001 Early Childhood newsletter.With the current emphasis on technology in education, many parents and schools are introducing computers to children at young ages, motivated to give them a head start on developing academic skills and to prepare them for the workforce of tomorrow. But recently, educators, psychologists, and various organizations have raised concerns about early computer use. The Alliance for Childhood, a research and child advocacy group in College Park, MD released a report last September titled "Fool's Gold: A Critical Look at Computers in Childhood." Although it recognizes that certain forms of technology can be very helpful to young children with disabilities, the report questions the benefits of computer use in early childhood and elementary school and raises questions about its effects on physical and emotional development. Physical Health Concerns Joan Almon, U.S. coordinator for the Alliance and a former kindergarten teacher, says that the report, which is a compilation of findings from existing educational and medical studies, uncovered concerns in several areas from teachers, physicians, and psychologists. One such concern is the impact of computer use on a child's physical health. Ms. Almon notes that the long-term medical consequences of frequent computer use include eye strain and carpal tunnel syndrome. She says that physicians have been reporting these symptoms in teenagers who began using computers at a young age. Emotional and Intellectual Development But the main area of concern is the consequence of intensive early computer use on children's emotional and mental development. Time spent at a computer not only decreases the amount of time available for interaction with humans, says Ms. Almon, but it also decreases the amount of time a child spends in creative play. This, according to Ms. Almon, limits the development of a child's imaginative skills and creative abilities. For example, Ms. Almon recounts stories told by kindergarten teachers of children who find it difficult to participate in creative activities, such as pretend play. Ms. Almon also notes that young children who use computers frequently become accustomed to the fast pace of point-and-click interaction with a computer and tend to be more impatient in their interaction with people. After examining the latest research on the use of educational technology, the report questions the long-term educational gains of early computer use in the classroom. In the summary, the authors emphasize that direct interaction with others and the development of creative thinking skills have the greatest impact on a child's language and literacy development. Children who are more imaginative tend to be more engaged in reading, and imaginative play and hands-on activities stimulate the learning process more than computer drill-and-practice programs. Ms. Almon notes that while there is no hard or fast consensus as to the best age for children to begin using computers regularly for recreational and instructional purposes, many experts have mentioned age 12 as an ideal time. By this time children have had time to develop critical and creative thinking skills and can learn the intricacies of technology quickly. Says Ms. Almon: "Parents shouldn't feel they are holding their children back by letting them do other things [instead of using computers]." As this is an issue with tremendous impact, it is clear that educators and parents need to focus on promoting responsible computer use by young children. Most research indicates that a clear plan for instructional technology use, combined with developmentally appropriate software and activities, will offer the most long-term benefits for children. The full report and the Alliance for Childhood's accompanying "Call to Action" can be accessed on their web site. The NAEYC Technology Caucus has established a web site to provide information on the use of technology in early childhood education. The National Center to Improve Practice provides information on how technology can be used to enhance the educational experience of students with disabilities. |
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