I have to admit that I am a technology addict. I love new gadgets and find myself a bit lost when the power goes out and disconnects me from my tech toys. All that being said, I’m a little apprehensive when it comes to plugging my children in. I know there are a lot of tech driven toys out there that are both educational and fun, yet there are always the trade offs associated with too much media.
So let’s start with the good. G absolutely loves his LeapFrog Leapster system. The games are all educational, which I love, but at the same time are engaging enough for him to actually enjoy. The system is small, so it travels well and makes for a great distraction in the car or in the doctor’s office. G also has a number of computer games he likes including: Clifford Phonics, Reader Rabbit and a number of Scholastic titles. These I turn to less often, but provide some additional benefits besides the skills taught in the game. For one, they teach him basic computing skills. He was hesitant at first using a mouse, but his interest definitely increased once he learned that the cursor movements correlated to the mouse movements. He also learns basic computer navigation. Just yesterday he pointed out that clicking on the ‘x’ will get rid of the window he didn’t want opened. His comfort level with computers now is vital to his success in the ever more computer ubiqutious environment he will grow up in.
Along with these benefits, however, are some negative consequences of technology. For one, when a child becomes immersed in any gaming or computer system they are naturally more cut off from other people. Media and technology have a way of secluding users from the rest of their environment, and with children overexposure to any technology will result in a disconnect between them and their family/friends. Limiting my kid’s exposure to media is simple in some respects. Our kids do not watch TV, for example. This is a simple way to keep that media influence out of our house. I do sometimes rely on the kids toys to help me get things done in the house, but will implement simple time limits. The computer G uses is older, so I know that the battery does not last long. So when he plays a computer game the laptop is unplugged and as soon as it runs out of battery then he is done. This method has the added benefit of distancing me from the time limit, so that G is less likely to get mad at me, and more likely to accept that the computer is done and he has to stop playing.
Another consequence of technology exposure is that it breeds a desire to have the newest and shiniest new tech toys. My kids are still a bit too young for this one, but I know that when they become aware of the newer gaming systems available then their older toys will seem far less interesting. I remember this same desire in myself growing up, and yet I still am unsure how to avoid it, but the time to face this will surely come soon.
