Will you let your babies/children to play iPad?

[thanka2]

We don't own an iPad and my smartphone has only the factory-installed simple apps and isn't internet-enabled. First of all, we can't afford to buy an iPad so we won't be buying one until we can--if ever. If we had an iPad, I would take the same stance with it that I took with computer usage and my son. No computer usage at all or exposure before 2-years-old because "screen time" is not recommended for children younger than two. After that I let my son play some educational games or watch videos at sites like the Sesame Street site. Recently, my son has averaged about 30 minutes of computer time every two weeks. About two weeks ago one night I was feeling ill and needed a break so I let him watch a few episodes of Word World. That's it. My son is far too busy doing everything else he does to plop down in front of a screen every day. I know that iPads and iPhones are more interactive but they're still virtual and at this stage in his development I think it's best for him to be living in the "real world." If we had an iPad he might get to play a game on it for 15 minutes/day max--that would be my limit.

I think this video is poignant.

 

[2010-NewDad]

No problem with children using iPad, they're fun and can even be educational. Getting to grips with technology is a key life skill these days and will likely become even more so. As long as physical, mental and social skills are not neglected I see no reason to ban the use of iPad - it's far more interactive than TV.

 

[howardcoombs]

I think this video is poignant.

I see nothing sad about that video at all - what is really sad is the comments within that video.

An electronic device (smartphones, pads, computers) are just tools and if used appropriately can give kids great amount of education and amusement at the same time.

As for "screen time", a healthy approach is always better than outright bans and blanket statements.
http://www.geekmom.com/2011/10/what-the-aap-should-have-said-about-screen-time/

 

[charade]

Howardcoombs, thank you for that link. When the association of pediatricians says 'some concerns' of harm, I've always wondered what harm exactly. Now it seems, they themselves are generally vague on what the harm actually is. Their main concern seems to be that it does not have any positive benefit. As a parent, I'm ok with there being no positive benefit, what I'm not ok with is serious harm.

I let my son have "screen time" not because I think it's educational but because sometimes I just need a break from him and can't think of anything else and I don't think it will do serious harm. Yep, I'm a lazy parent. I'm in awe of parents who manage no screen time at all for their kids. However, I think as long as my kid is not spending huge amounts of time staring agape at a screen, his brain cells will be fine and so will my sanity.

 

[howardcoombs]

You're not a lazy parent at all, you're a perfectly normal parent.
As for positive benefit : there is a great positive benefit and that is a sane and happy and less stressed parent

My mother always taught me : Everything in moderation and everything in reasonable amounts

 

[carang]

i would not ban my children from screen time... i just know, we have tried letting my two have computer time, that it gets out of hand WAY too easily. so, for that reason, we don't have a nintendo, PS3 or anything else like that...i figure they will get enough of that as they get older. same as the "no toy guns" rule that i have. i'm sure as they get older, they will be exposed to them, so why do it now?

 

[thanka2]

I see nothing sad about that video at all - what is really sad is the comments within that video.

I also didn't think anything was "sad" about it...including the comments on it but I did think it was moving and made a very clear point.

But, as far as our opinions being different on this subject, I don't think that's surprising to either of us. :smile:

One of the other concerns I have is the potential effects of radiation from using electronic devices that are hands-on (cell phone; iPad etc.) with young children. This topic hasn't been fully studied yet and recent studies point to very real possible adverse effects.

As far as children becoming tech-savvy (regarding a comment from another poster)--I think if we wait until 2-years-old the kids will be just fine. :biggrin:

Everyone chooses their own boundaries with their children based on the information they have. I have chosen to wait until later to let my children have "screen time" and there is basis for this which is not just some draconian ban or decision based on a blanket statement.

Other people may be fine with their children having a constant entertainment, technology and stimulation flowing through various devices in and outside the home. I also love technology and am fond of my gadgets but...I also like solitude and sitting and listening without doing anything and I want my children to have a grasp on this--not be reaching for an iPad or iPhone at the first hint of boredom.

For us, we feel like our children already get more than enough stimulation (especially on the street in HK!) that we prefer to have the TV off most of the time and allow all of us some time to think without having to be stimulated--I think it might be a dying art, actually but for us I still think it's valuable.

While screen time may not actually HARM my children (in any obvious way) I don't always see the benefit. As a teacher, I teach children who often have a hard time focusing in a traditional classroom--largely due to being constantly over-stimulated everywhere else. So, until every school can have iPads for every student to interact with, I think there is value in teaching children that they don't always have to have a screen to entertain them.

So, yes, it is about balance but just because we have chosen a boundary doesn't mean we're not balanced or informed about our choice. I think my children benefit from this.

 

[2010-NewDad]

I'm quite glad my parents didn't ban me from "screen time" - in fact they actively encouraged it and bought a computer when I was 5 or 6. Like most children, I enjoyed it and become proficient using it. I am sure my lifelong interest in technology was nurtured from an early age and it's been extremely positive for my life & career. I doubt the world is going to become less technology & communication centric going forwards.....

Everything in moderation.

 

[thanka2]

One note, regarding the article...I guess a tech designer for kids would probably have a bias toward technology.

 

[thanka2]

I'm quite glad my parents didn't ban me from "screen time" - in fact they actively encouraged it and bought a computer when I was 5 or 6. Like most children, I enjoyed it and become proficient using it. I am sure my lifelong interest in technology was nurtured from an early age and it's been extremely positive for my life & career. I doubt the world is going to become less technology & communication centric going forwards.....

Everything in moderation.

Sure. That's great. But, how many hours/day were you allowed to use your computer? And you said you started at 5 or 6? Not as an infant? Yes, that's the point I was making--everything in moderation. And "moderation" means different things to different people as I have pointed out above. We each have a unique experience and the way we raise our children is unique based on our own sensibilities--which are neither right nor wrong but just that...our own.

As for my experience...I didn't have a (shared--not personal as my family couldn't afford that) computer until I was 17 (gasp!) and technology has also served me well in my life and career--also having an appreciation for the more spiritual/intangible things in life has served me equally as well. Knowing how to sit quietly and reflect and ponder and debate and all those things you actually kind of need to "unplug" in order to do...have been immensely beneficial. I want my children to develop all of their intelligences and so we spend time focusing on different aspects.

I think I am starting to fit the profile of a slow parent. Lol!