Should Toddlers Use Handheld Devices?

Researchers: Using an iPad or smartphone can harm a toddler’s learning and social skills

By: Terrence McCoy

(February 2, 2015)

This article was very interesting as it discusses the possible impacts of toddlers using handheld digital technology at such a young age.  In this article, McCoy explains that toddlers are now in an age called the “App Generation” due to having access to handheld devices from birth (2015). Almost 70 percent of children under 12 use tablets and almost 40 percent of children between two and four years of age have used mobile devices (McCoy, 2015).  The article continues to state the impact of having handheld mobile devices is relatively unknown when it comes to the development and behavior of children (McCoy, 2015).  However the article continues to state that children who are younger than 30 months of age have difficulty learning from television and videos in the same way as they would learn from real-life interactions with others (McCoy, 2015). If children are using a device that is not educational in nature, it could be harmful to their social-emotional development. If the devices are used primarily to distract and calm children, it is a concern that children will not be able to develop their own self-regulation mechanisms (McCoy, 2015).  Finally, if the handheld devices are used for educational purposes, they could teach young children vocabulary acquisition, but if the information is not educational in nature, it may be harmful as it could decrease their develop of social and language skills (McCoy, 2015).  Overall, it is important that children are engaging in human interaction in order to develop their social-emotional skills, along with participating in hands-on activities that help them increase sensory motor and visual motor skills (McCoy, 2015)

The Guardian

No, research does not say that ‘iPads and smartphones may damage toddlers’ brains’

Pete Etchells

February 2, 2015

This article is one that discusses the exaggerated press release about tablets causing “brain damage” to toddlers’ brains (Etchells, 2015).  Etchells writes that nowhere in the article does it say anything about handheld devices causing brain damage and the study actually only used results of seven different cases (2015).  He continues to state that really, there is not a whole lot of research out there when it comes to children's use of handheld devices, such as Smartphones or tablets and that when the research has been conducted, results were very different and mixed (Etchells, 2015).  All in all, it is believed that more research is needed on this this topic as there are many cases where exaggeration happens within news stories and in press releases (Etchells, 2015).  Etchells continues to state that the research findings that have occured have mixed results.  Some of the information provided states that iPad and tablet usage can create a language delay in some children, while other articles consulted say that really, there is no proof that using a tablet or handheld device at a young age hurts children (Etchells).  Overall, more research is needed on this particular topic.

Civil discourse about topics, such as the above are incredibly important as it allows readers to see two sides of a story.  Both articles were nicely and respectfully written and provides the readers with an opportunity to make their own decisions about their beliefs based on what they read..  Sharing thoughtful and respectful opinions about controversial topics can be difficult at times and sometimes quite uncomfortable.  It is important to do this in order to provide a different perspective on a topic and to engage readers to be thinking about content in a different way.

After reading both of the articles and considering my own son at home, I personally feel that handheld technology at a young age is not a bad thing.  My son will be turning two in a few short days and he is already extremely savvy when it comes to using my phone or iPad.  He knows how to use Youtube and how to find his Elmo and Dr. Jean videos.  It is amazing to me how much he has learned from watching these educational music videos.  The other day we were watching the “Letter of the Day” song from Sesame Street and the letter “D” popped up on the screen.  He looks at me and right away says, “D” without hearing it first!  I was pretty impressed to say the least.  I truly believe he is learning his letters and numbers by watching Sesame Street and Dr. Jean.  He is also reading books with me at home and we are doing a great deal of social interaction with him.  The technology is not the only thing in his life that is teaching him, but I definitely think it is supporting what we are doing as parents.  Reading the articles about possible “brain damage” in children makes me a little uneasy.  I wasn’t sure if allowing my son to use my phone would cause life-long problems for him.  Then, as I continued to read both articles, there truly is not enough research being conducted to make a final judgement call on if using this type of technology will actually be hurting my son.  In my personal life, I have only seen positive outcomes, but I also only show my son educational videos.  

The one article also stated the negative effects of using a handheld device to calm or soothe your child. I have to say, I am guilty of this at one point or another!  My husband and I took my son out to lunch and it was near naptime.  He was beginning to get fussy and slowly becoming louder in the restaurant.  The people around us began looking and I could just feel the vibe that they wanted us to leave.  We hadn’t received our food yet and so, what did I do?  I pulled out my phone and turned on Elmo for my son to watch.  Sure enough, he became quiet and we could eat our meal in peace.  Sometimes I think mobile devices are a blessing in times of need.  We do not use my phone to calm or soothe my son all the time, but when we are desperate, we definitely use it!  Overall, I thought these articles were an excellent read if you are a parent of a young child.  

References

Etchells, P. (2015) No, research does not say that ‘iPad’s and smartphones may damage toddlers’ brains’. The Guardian. Retrieved from https://www.theguardian.com/science/head-quarters/2015/feb/02/no-research-does-not-say-that-ipads-and-smartphones-may-damage-toddlers-brains

McCoy, T. (2015). Researchers: Using an iPad or smartphone can harm a toddler’s learning and social skills.  The Washington Post. Retrieved from https://www.washingtonpost.com/news/morning-mix/wp/2015/02/02/using-an-ipad-or-smartphone-can-harm-a-toddlers-brain-researchers-says/?utm_campaign=buffer&utm_content=buffer15e6b&utm_medium=social&utm_source=facebook.com&utm_term=.3901d9a53b7f