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The Use of Technology During the Growing Age: Statistics

Digital guidelines: Promoting healthy technology use for children

Kaitlyn B.


          Technology is such a huge part of today’s society, and there does not seem to be an end in sight. You see it everywhere and it can be used by just about everyone. Technology can be useful for things such as connecting with others from across the world or simply to be used for educational purposes in a kindergarten classroom. As technology becomes more popular, it becomes more easily accessible to all, especially young children. Children, also known as “digital natives”, have been born into the technological era. They consistently grow and build on their digital literacy skills necessary to keep up with this growing industry. But the question is, how much technology is too much? Can it actually be damaging to learning and development? Erikson Institute decided to evaluate these concerns through a national survey which brought amazing results. The study consisted of 1,000 parents across the country and focused more on children under the age of 6, which seemed to be the most universal.
  • 85% of parents admitted that they allowed their children to use technology in their homes, specifically television, tablets, smartphones, and computers.
  • Over three-quarters of participants reported that they use technology with their children for up to two hours on a daily basis.
  • 86% of parents actually said they were satisfied with how their young children use technology. They believed there can be a positive correlation between technology and child development and literacy.
  • Over 50% of the parents said they believe technology supports school readiness and greatly impacts school success.
  • But ultimately, most parents did pose some concern. 72% of parents had concerns relating to too much screen time, inappropriate content, commercial messages aimed at young children, and how technology use takes away from time spent outdoors, active play, and sleep disruption.
          A major takeaway from this survey was a few tips of advice given to alleviate some of the concerns raised by the patents. When parents utilize technology in the home with their young children, it can definitely promote learning, help build important relationships, and assist with modeling healthy behaviors. It can promote positive ways to interact with others, play with others, and learn with others. Parental guidance during technology use is recommended not only to monitor the use but to also guide children toward more meaningful and useful content through activities that encourage creativity and interaction. Another tip includes asking yourself, “what can we do together when we turn our devices off?” This, in turn, allows rewards and separate activities for children to also look forward to when the screens are off. This creates a nice balance.

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  • This journal article tackles the controversial use of technology and interactive media as tools in early childhood programs. The article begins by mentioning the beginning of the technological age for which it consisted of only televisions in the home. In the blink of an eye, technology now has a broader meaning and can be found in the standard home, office, and classroom all around the world. They make it clear that technology is here to stay. Some key points include:
  • Technology can be greatly used for communication, collaboration, social networking, and user-generated content. This has transformed mainstream culture influencing how families manage their daily lives, how teachers use materials in the classroom and communicate this progress with parents, and how we deliver teacher education and professional development.
    • Concerns about whether or not younger children should have access to technology and screen media use in their programs are substantial.
  • Negative outcomes are always possible, especially when technology is not handled correctly or without limitation. These have been identified as irregular sleep patterns, behavioral issues, focus and attention problems, decreased academic performance, negative impact on socialization and language development, and the increase in the amount of time young children are spending in front of screens
  • Technology and media are tools that are effective only when used appropriately.
    • Technology should only be used for educational purposes and activities. If it is not developmentally appropriate, do NOT use (electronic worksheets for preschoolers, are used as an example).
    • Technology should never be used as a replacement for active play or for social interaction with others. This can be detrimental.
  • “The healthy cognitive, social, emotional, physical, and linguistic development of the whole child is as important in the digital age as ever.”
    • Technology tools have been shown to be effective for dual language learners. Technology offers a way to provide students with access to their home language/culture while still supporting English language learning.
    • There is assistive technology available for children with special needs that should be accessible at all times.
    • “Technology and media can enhance early childhood practice when integrated into the environment, curriculum, and daily routines.”
    • “Technology tools can support the ways educators measure and record development, document growth, plan activities, and share information with parents, families, and communities,” which we can all agree can be essential. Together, teachers and parents can monitor the progress of the child ensuring that no child is left behind.
Resources: 

 Technology and Interactive Media as Tools in Early Childhood Programs Serving Children from Birth through Age 8. (2012). Retrieved from https://www.naeyc.org/sites/default/files/globally-shared/downloads/PDFs/resources/topics/PS_technology_WEB.pdf

Technology and Young Children in the Digital Age. (2016, October). Retrieved from https://www.erikson.edu/wp-content/uploads/2018/07/Erikson-Institute-Technology-and-Young-Children-Survey.pdf

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