Early Computer Use Promotes Cognitive Development - 2004-10-06 at 09:18
Preschool-age children who use computers are believed to better develop preschool concepts and thinking skills, according to a new study from the medical journal Pediatrics.
The study, which examined 122 children ages 3 to 5 years who had access to a computer, found that these children performed better on measures of school readiness and cognitive development.
How frequently they used the computer or if the children owned other electronic or video games did not affect this relationship, according to the researchers. The study also did not find a correlation between computer use and visual motor or gross motor skills among the same children.
The American Academy of Pediatrics offers the following tips to help establish good media usage habits at an early age:
Set media time limits. Limit children's total screen time. This includes time watching TV and videotapes, playing video and computer games, and surfing the Internet. One way to do this is to use a timer. When the timer goes off, your child's media time is up, no exceptions.
Set family guidelines for media content. Help children and teens choose shows, videos and video games that are appropriate for their ages and interests. Get into the habit of checking the content ratings and parental advisories for all media. Use these ratings to decide what media are suitable for your child.
Keep TV sets, VCRs, video games and computers out of children's bedrooms. Instead, put them where you can be involved and monitor children's use.
Make media a family activity. Whenever possible, use media with your children and discuss what they see, hear and read. When you share your children's media experiences, you can help them analyze, question and challenge the meaning of messages for themselves.
