Flickr: JosephB

Toddlers & Touch Screens

Flickr: Andrew Stawarz

There is NO denying children are exposed to technology more than ever.

Flickr: Lars Plougmann

“In this Web 2.0 world, kids aren't just consuming media, they're creating it and they have collectively embraced social media as a part of their lives.”

http://news.cnet.com/8301-19518_3-20002209-238.html#ixzz1Mr9PX4et

Flickr: pierofix

- As such the lives of children are changing and reaching new heights.

Flickr: courosa

The Baby Apps

Flickr: SparkCBC

It's not uncommon to see a mother or father handing a smart phone to young kids these days, even infants, as a

replacement for rattles and pacifiers .

http://newsroom.intel.com/community/intel_newsroom/free_press/blog/2011/04/14/the-touch-generation-the-evolution-of-digital-natives

Flickr: AxsDeny

“It turns out the touch-screen technology is a natural for Toddlers — no surprise to parents who have watched young children instinctively reach out to television screens for their favourite cartoon characters.”

Flickr: gnta

“Learning to count and recognizing colours, ShApeS, sounds and patterns are all things that

can be done on the award-winning Tickle Tap Apps.”

http://www.thestar.com/news/canada/article/934673--iphone-apps-a-hit-with-preschoolers

Flickr: christopherhuffman

But is all this exposure to technology….

…harmful?

Flickr: ToniVC

Despite the learning benefits “ the American Academy of

Pediatrics (AAP) still recommends that parents of young

children should limit any screen time, including television and

computer devices, to no more than 2 hours a day.”

http://newsroom.intel.com/community/intel_newsroom/free_press/blog/2011/04/14/the-touch-generation-the-evolution-of-digital-natives

Flickr: Jason L. Parks

“during preschool years, children are mimicking the behaviors of adults, so parents should be particularly mindful of their own technology use during family time dinners, playing outside, etc.”

- Anne K. Fishel, Ph.D. and Tristan Gorrindo, M.D., in their Psychology Today blog ‘Digital Family’.

Flickr: ingridf_nl

- Anne K. Fishel, Ph.D. and Tristan Gorrindo, M.D., in their Psychology Today blog ‘Digital Family’.

“Imaginative play is to digital play as fruits

and vegetables are to dessert. A child's diet should have a

healthy serving of nutrient rich play."

Flickr: martymadrid

Also more children own cell phone than books , “85 % of children own a phone while only 73% own books at home.”

–national literacy trust via Sybase Inc.

Flickr: adwriter

Could this be the death

of children literacy or

an EVOLOUTION?

Flickr: Spree2010

Teaching - Children Sexting Bullying &

Responsibility

Flickr: jblyberg

The goal of Common Sense Media's Digital Literacy and Citizenship Initiative is to

provide curriculum to help middle school teachers, parents, and kids themselves

"raise a generation of responsible, smart, and safe digital citizens." 

http://news.cnet.com/8301-19518_3-20002209-238.html#ixzz1Mr9i6JQM

Flickr: Mike Licht

"It's important that [kids] they understand the importance of recycling mobiles as well as the potential risks, and impact of their own behavior, when using these devices."

http://news.ninemsn.com.au/national/8211585/schools-should-teach-kids-phone-safety

Flickr: Sebastian Fritzon

Whether it's BULLYING, SEXTING , or just POSTING INFORMATION they might regret later on, kids sometimes venture forth in the digital world

without fully understanding possible CONSQUENCES.

http://news.cnet.com/8301-19518_3-20002209-238.html#ixzz1Mr9YdBxt

Flickr: Matt Hamm

Whether it's bullying, sexting, or just posting information they might regret later on, kids sometimes venture forth in the digital world without fully understanding possible consequences

http://news.cnet.com/8301-19518_3-20002209-238.html#ixzz1Mr9YdBxt

Flickr: library_of_congress

Irregardless parents seem to love it !

Flickr: floridamemory

Mothers have said the camera had become the most important function of the phone, apps to help keep life organized and their kids entertained had evolved from being unnecessary to essential.http://newsroom.intel.com/community/intel_newsroom/free_press/blog/2011/04/14/the-touch-generation-the-evolution-of-digital-natives

Flickr: CakewalkBU3

What's your opinion ? Are we exploiting children & forcing them to mimic us? Or as we trying to teach them using all the tools and resource available to us ?

Either way, we can all agreeKids holding phones are cute!