Six Myths about Young Children & Computers
Reference: Buckleitner, Orr and Wolock (1998), Young Children & Computers, A Parent's Survival Guide. Active Learning Associates, Inc. Flemington, NJ USA
Like television, VCRs, and other forms of electronic activities, computer use with young children automatically brings up issues and concerns for parents. We worry about whether or not these powerful machines will have negative effects, and wonder what our expectations should be for the influence they might have on children's education and development.
Myth # 1. Computers will make my child smarter.
We think there is some truth to this idea, although "smarter" is one of those loaded words. There is no doubt that a computer and great software can be a fun and exciting learning tool and can even provide practice of pre-academic and academic skills. Keep in mind, however, that computer software cannot teach kids concepts that they are not developmentally ready for. For instance, your preschooler may not be able to handle (and will be frustrated with) a program focused on reading short words. He may be more ready for a program that provides light exposure to pre-reading skills like letter recognition, identifying patterns and classifying objects. Also remember that young children learn best with plenty of well-rounded hands-on experiences. Computers should always be considered a supplement to other, more concrete learning activities like completing puzzles, building with sand and blocks, reading books, creating art projects and playing on the playground.
Myth # 2: Sitting close to a computer screen will damage my child's eyes.
Not true. According to the American Academy of Ophthalmology, computer monitors (or VDTs) are considered to be safe for normal use and present no hazard to the eye. "There is no convincing experimental or epidemiologic evidence that exposure to VDTs results in cataracts or any other organic damage to the eye." For a more detailed report, contact the Academy at 415-561-8500.
Myth # 3: Computers give off harmful radiation.
In our daily lives, we are constantly bombarded by a spectrum of radiation. The electromagnetic rays given off by the computer are of the safe, nonionizing variety. A number of useful studies have been conducted by scientists at the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), Center for Radiological Health and Devices, Bell Laboratories, and The National Institute of Occupational Safety and Health. The data from their work indicates that computer VDTs "…emit little or no harmful ionizing (e.g., x-rays) or nonionizing (e.g., infrared) radiation under normal operating conditions." In fact, according to their report, the amount of ultraviolet radiation produced by a typical computer monitor is a small fraction of that produced by florescent lighting (See NIOSH Publication No. 81-129, June 1981).
Myth # 4: My child will become less social by using the computer.
You've seen the zombie-like posture that children often take when watching television ... hardly a social experience. Educators and parents have similarly been concerned about possible negative effects of the computer on children’s desire to interact with others. Unlike television, however, the more interactive, child-controlled nature of some computer software can be conducive to sharing, taking turns and playing games together. While the television doesn’t know if the child is in the same room, the computer, in a sense, does, by providing activities that adjust to children’s individual responses and by giving customized feedback. Just like toys, different types of software can influence the way kids play. Some programs, for example, have options for one or two players, increasing the opportunity for making computer use a shared activity. Of course, as with any activity, too much of a good thing is probably not healthy, and a child who spends an inordinate amount of time on the computer may need help in setting limits.
Myth # 5: My child should understand how computers work.
Unless they show an interest, don’t feel obliged to teach your child about the inner workings of a computer, or terms like CPU and so on. It's simply not necessary at this young age. More important is that they learn how to use computers ... to point and click, click and drag, use pull down menus, and so on. How do they do this? With your guidance, naturally, but best of all -- through their own exploration and discovery.
Myth # 6: Making my child computer literate now will better prepare her for the future.
There is some truth to this notion. Familiarity and comfort with computers is certainly useful for daily survival, both in and out of school. The risk associated with this myth comes from placing too much emphasis on the computer as a "must" for children's future welfare. It's a better mindset to regard computer use as simply one more experience that can support the development of good old fashioned learning skills such as being able to read and write, think logically, and solve and analyze problems. It can also enhance the learning process by allowing kids to have experiences not possible without a computer.
"Computers, software, CDs and Smart Toys should always be considered a supplement to other, more concrete learning activities like completing puzzles, building with sand and blocks, reading books, creating art projects and playing on the playground.."