When it comes to opinions, beliefs and ideas, we all have
them and different views and ideas about topics can lead to controversy. We have instant access at our fingertips to
information, research and news reports.
An article that I read in The Washington Post had the headline, “Researchers: Using an iPad or smartphone can harm a
toddler’s learning and social skills.”
Of course, the title of this article caught my interest because I have a
toddler and I wanted to make sure that her using a tablet or my phone is not
going to hurt her development. As I read
on, I realized that my toddler was not in great danger. I discovered that the article, by Terrence
McCoy, summarized some research that was done about young children using mobile
devices and the potential downsides, such as using iPads was detrimental to the
social-emotional development of the child. The article stated this technology
could “interfere” with a child’s growing sense of empath or problem-solving
skills.” The article also briefly mentioned
the educational benefits for iPad use for toddlers such as language acquisition
and reading ebooks.
A conclusion that I drew about this article was that I
should not expect my child (or other children) to develop strong social and empathic
skills if they are given a mobile device to use for an excessive amount of time
and on mindless activities with no person-to-person interaction. This really was not something new to me.
A second article that I read, by Pete Etchells in The Guardian, “No, research does not say
that iPads and smartphones may damage toddlers’ brains” criticized the above-mentioned
article by first pointing out that the headline did not match up to the article’s
content and then went on to say that the information provided in the article
was not research but in fact it was guidelines that were published previously
based on research. Etchells elaborated
more on the topic and pointed out conflicting results on the studies of the
topic.
The two articles appeared to be contradictory opinions
because of their headlines but actually both articles provide information from “research”
that in inconclusive which leaves both conclusions to coexist. Neither article provided sufficient enough
evidence to persuade a reader to decide who was correct about the topic.
Paul Etchells. No, research does not say that iPads and
smartphones may damage toddler’ brains. The Guardian Feb 2015.
Terrence McCoy. Researchers: Using an iPad or smartphone can harm a toddle's learning and social skills. Washington Post
Feb 2015.
I agree both articles can co-exist. I worry about trusting the first articles claims given the study conducted seems insufficient and incomplete when trying to claim 'brain damage' can result from use of handheld devices. The idea that social-emotional development and problem-solving skills are impacted through the use of hand-held devices is a very interesting topic but I do believe more research needs to be conducted. I have seen evidence of students struggling to communicate verbally, but through technology excel or say things they wouldn't face-to-face. This could be both good and bad.
ReplyDeleteHi Susan,
ReplyDeleteI agree that neither of these two conflicting opinions about the potential risks or benefits of iPad/tablet use by toddlers is necessarily more valid. For every study conducted or article written claiming that screens in all forms are bad for children, another will be published highlighted the benefits. This debate reaches back many decades before the invention of the tablet, to the invention of the television. There has always been debate over whether, or how much, children should be allowed to watch television. Many will claim this passive activity reduces social interactions in the home and limits opportunities for creative play and physical activity. Others will counter by saying that, when the shows watched are carefully chosen, and/or when parents watch with them and discuss what they are watching, children can benefit from lessons about values and character learned from the stories they see, as well as vocabulary development and other academic benefits.
I see very little difference between the arguments for and against television for children, and the arguments surrounding the use of tablets. The one difference that may legitimately exist, in my opinion, is that children may be spending more time looking at tablet screens than they ever have, historically, watching television. I have not seen data on this, it is just hunch. However, one could counter that concern by pointing out that while television watching is almost entirely passive, tablet use can be highly interactive and serve to benefit a child's reading, math, or vocabulary skills in a very effective way.
I believe the best conclusion we can draw is that tablet use, just like television watching, or eating sweets, must be done in moderation. There are very few things that anyone should engage in without limitations. Tablets are relatively new, so it is understandable that those who have a great concern for the well-being of our children would want to closely analyze them to ensure they are not harmful. I respect that. But in the end, I expect we will land on the conclusion that as long as the amount of time spent using them is moderate, there should be no more concern over their use than we have ever had about television and cookies.
Michelle,
ReplyDeleteYes! Moderation is key in my opinion. The television debate with be never ending as I I believe the tablet debate will be ongoing. And it will go round and round. Thinking of the television debate as an educator, I have heard (especially with kindergarten), "don't parents do anything with their kids except put them in front of the tv?" And it seems now....don't parents let their kids watch any tv? Let them watch some learning shows!
My school is 1:1 and I have had parents ask how much time is spent on the tablets. An understandable concern.
Sur
Hi Susan,
ReplyDeleteI agree that both articles lacked the necessary research to persuade the reader to one side or the other. Both authors seemed to touch on both aspects of the debate as well.
It seems as though the tablet debate is this generations version of the T.V. debate that parents and teachers have been having for years. At this time, there is significant research on the amount of TV time relative to children's learning, supporting both viewpoints.
More research is needed on the subject, just so that we can establish guidelines for acceptable use in the same way we have for television. I don't think it is a matter of wether or not young children will use hand held devices in the future, but a matter of what exactly is damaging about them. Is it that when using a hand held device there is a lack of human interaction? or is it that the content could be damaging?
Hi!
ReplyDeleteAs I was reading through these articles, it reminded me of a facebook war. Both sides firing facts not backed by the proper research. With tablets being so new I don't think that enough time has passed for thorough research to be done to identify the pros and cons for usage in toddlers. I also agree that moderation is key. I'm sure that we will see effects of increasing technology, but, I don't know if it will be good or bad. I know that monkey preschool helped my kids learn their colors and shapes, and they preferred to learn them on the tablet then with me. I also know that extra math is helping my son learn his basic facts and he prefers that over flashcards. There are good and bads to everything. However, thorough, valid research needs to be done before solid conclusions can be made as to the effects technology is having on toddlers.