Children’s Technology: Benefits and Boundaries

There are many kid-related benefits to playing on a computer and PlayStation. But monitoring the time from children’s technology activities is key to ensuring they develop their interactive skills and creativity!

Whether it’s a computer or PlayStation, parents often feel guilty about putting their kids in front of the screen. Fortunately, there are a number of benefits associated with children’s technology! However, in order to tap into them, you need to have rules in place for how much time the child can spend in front of the screen. While learning is possible, it’s important that your children’s ability to interact and be creative is not adversely impacted.

Can Children’s Technology Be Educational?

It’s not ideal for most parents to set their kids up in front of a screen. But as we’ve learned from COVID-19 virtual learning, they can be quite educational, too. With technology being such an everyday part of learning, having kids know the basics of computer use is important. It can teach them how to click on things, email, and even research information they need for assignments. While a computer can hone their motor skills and hand-eye coordination, it also enables them to learn on their own! There are many available videos on Amazon Prime, YouTube Kids, and PBS Kids that can offer your children an educational online experience. However, being on a computer too often can also lead to overstimulation and limit your child’s interaction with others. In some children, it can even lead to vision problems and developmental issues.

Can Kids Learn from Video Games?

Like the computer, many parents feel guilty about plugging in the PlayStation or Nintendo Switch to get a breather. But, fortunately, there are a few benefits to video games for children too! While kids can also learn the valuable skill of hand-eye coordination, devices like the Wii can actually get them moving. As well, since most children’s technology activities involve some element of problem-solving, they help them develop these skills. However, video games that feature aggressive sequences can actually create mental health issues in your children. Doki Doki and Tiny Brain are good for problem solving and teamwork, but avoid those displaying violence. And, while children can make gaming friends, they may not develop the same interactive abilities other types of play afford.

How Long Should a Child Use Technology?

There’s something to be said for screen time with children’s technology, whether it’s video games or the computer. However, it’s important to approach it with a healthy attitude so it doesn’t overwhelm your child’s development. According to the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP), there should be limitations in place for children between 5 and 18. Whether this equates to 20 minutes or one hour a day, it’s important that you monitor your child’s screen time.

In addition, having a computer or video game console in your child’s room might not be the best idea. While they’ll probably like it, children’s technology activities should be in a place where you can monitor and observe them. Having them in the family room will enable you to monitor their activities, and even play with them at certain times. While technology is a useful tool when it’s for learning, it can impede development and creativity if they use it too frequently.

Healthy Boundaries for Children’s Technology Use

Computers and PlayStations may be popular, but it’s important to limit the amount of time your children spend in front of the screen. What are your best tips for minimizing your children’s technology activities? Tell us about your tips in our comments section, or get advice on FamilyApp. While there’s no harm in a little every day, screen time shouldn’t get in the way of interacting with others!