My 5-year-old has developed a fascination with the iPad. I downloaded a few games for him, but what he truly loves is the voice dictation feature. He carefully articulates his thoughts into the microphone, and the device transcribes his imaginative tales: “I am a pirate, could you please type that out?” His enthusiasm for the iPad is unwavering, and I sometimes wish I had never introduced it to him.
Now, my 2-year-old is also captivated by the iPad, viewing it as a magical and elusive object. He eagerly reaches for it whenever we accidentally leave it unattended, and he’s quickly learned how to unlock it with a swipe.
Most parents are aware of the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) guidelines, which recommend no screen time for children under 2 years old and a maximum of two hours a day for kids over 2. However, I recently discovered that these recommendations were established before the proliferation of interactive apps designed specifically for young children. Could it be that these engaging applications are “better” for kids compared to just mindlessly watching screens? One can only hope.
While I often feel guilty handing my child my phone or the iPad, it’s usually because I’m in a situation that requires my attention, such as filling out forms at the DMV or visiting the dermatologist. It seems the iPad is my only ally in managing these tasks, as it allows me to maintain some semblance of order in my chaotic day. I just hope it’s not causing them too much harm, because let’s face it, I really need it!
The research on the impact of various types of screen time on children is still developing. Is immersing them in educational shows like Sesame Street more beneficial than engaging them with interactive apps? As reported by journalist Emma Clark in ArsTechnica, studies in this area are still in their early stages. This is largely due to three factors: 1) the rapid evolution of interactive apps, 2) challenges in replicating real-world scenarios in lab settings, and 3) the difficulty in recruiting children for studies. Busy parents aren’t likely to take their kids to labs for video recording without any compensation.
Nonetheless, Dr. Sarah Mitchell, a researcher in the Human Development and Family Studies Department at the University of Wisconsin-Madison, is leading the charge to explore this topic, as noted by Clark.
To understand why the iPad captures young children’s attention more than television, it’s essential to recognize their innate love for “contingency.” If they perform an action—like tossing toys on the floor—and you respond by picking them up, they delight in this interaction and continue the behavior. Interactive software amplifies this experience exponentially. When children swipe and the iPad activates or tap an app that opens, they become enthralled.
Dr. Mitchell’s research investigates whether this sense of interaction enhances learning compared to passive viewing. For toddlers around 2 years old, she found that engaging with the app indeed facilitated learning. However, for children aged 30 months and older, the learning outcomes from videos are comparable to those from interactive programs. This discovery has significant implications. Encouraging children to actively engage with screens might counteract the well-known “video deficiency effect.” It seems that children under 2 can, in fact, learn from screens after all.
However, there are important caveats. Results from lab studies may not fully reflect real-world usage. The apps available to our kids may be captivating without providing any real educational value. Additionally, we may inadvertently choose apps that are either too simplistic or too complex, rendering them ineffective for learning. Generally, children benefit most from face-to-face interactions, so researchers emphasize the importance of parental oversight in how children engage with technology. Clark advises that “[a] tablet should thus be used as a tool to increase interaction with your kid instead of a replacement for interaction.”
That being said, this perspective doesn’t resolve the dilemmas of taking a trip to the dermatologist or needing a moment to prepare dinner. I suppose my best approach is to thoroughly research the most suitable apps for my kids and use them wisely. It’s reassuring to learn that not all screen time is equal, and when you find yourself in a pinch—well, there’s an app for that!
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In summary, while the iPad can be a useful tool for children, it’s crucial for parents to utilize it mindfully. Engaging apps may offer some learning benefits, but nothing can replace genuine interactions. Balancing screen time with real-world experiences is essential for a child’s development.