Children on the computer: what are the advantages and disadvantages?

Reading time: 2 minutes When can children start using the computer? Some experts believe that children who can use a computer very early are better prepared for school later, while others say that too much technology overwhelms the children at such a tender age. Read in this article the advantages and disadvantages of the computer for children.

Children on the computer: what are the advantages and disadvantages?

Advantages for children on the computer

  • The computer can promote fine motor skills

By pressing buttons and moving the mouse, small children’s hands and fingers receive the same training on the computer that they get from finger painting or scribbling (even if this activity does not promote creativity like artistic activities). These fine motor movements also improve eye-hand coordination, which is particularly noticeable when your child learns to catch a ball, use scissors or put together a puzzle.

  • The computer teaches cause and effect

It’s no secret that toddlers and preschoolers love toys that they can do something with: B. Pop-up books and everything that has levers, switches and buttons. For this reason, children and computers go well together. They are happy that something happens when they click on a figure or symbol or maybe choose the right letter or color.

Disadvantages for children on the computer

  • Children on the computer lose social contacts

Computer games can be interactive, but typically only between the user and the screen. But people, especially young children, need to work with other people to develop empathy, social skills, and fun with other people. In addition, no educational software can replace your role as an educator.

  • For children on the computer, this does not offer enough practical and active learning opportunities

There is a reason why toddlers want to touch and grasp everything. This is how they get to know the world around them. Whether shoveling in the sand, stacking blocks or mixing water with dirt – all these practical and active experiences are more valuable to a child than any work on the computer

  • Children at the computer receive too many stimuli

A toddler or preschooler can quickly be overwhelmed by all of these perceptual effects – loud sounds, bright colors, flashing lights, and endless action. If your child is queasy after a computer session or light is frustrated, then you should reduce the time it spends in front of the computer.

Instead, let your child spend more time playing classic children’s games like bobby cars, reading a book or kneading. Another problem that can arise when children spend a lot of time on the computer is this: Children can become dependent on the stimuli from the computer and have problems concentrating on quiet activities such as reading or painting. Even simple games and activities that are not related to high-tech could be boring.

  • The computer promotes a sedentary lifestyle

Although computers promote the brain, children (and everyone else) need exercise. Physical exercise is absolutely essential for a child’s development. Through exercise, children strengthen their muscles and discover what their bodies can do. So limit computer time (and TV time) and integrate many physical activities into everyday life, e.g. B. on the playground play, handicrafts or gymnastics.

Conclusion: The computer has more disadvantages than advantages, especially for small children. You should not get your child used to the computer when it is about to discover the world, as this may restrict their development and movement. You can support your preschool child with educationally valuable learning programs and prepare them for school if this is done to a healthy degree.

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