Educational Devices May Not Be Smart for the Very Young

iStock/Thinkstock(BOSTON) — Adults are often astounded at how small children can handle all sorts of electronic devices, particularly if they’re not typically around little kids. However, research into how these gadgets affect a child’s development is a relatively new field given that computers, tablets, cellphones and the like haven’t been around all that long.

At the Boston University Medical Center, researchers constantly examine various interactive media and how they’re used as educational tools such as electronic books and learn-to-read applications.

So far, scientists believe that they can be particularly useful for preschool and older children. However, just as how TV and videos are not recommended for youngsters two-and-a-half and under, researchers are also skeptical about whether new platforms are really worthwhile for tykes.

While the jury is still out on their true value, the early consensus is that these devices might hinder the empathy, social and problem solving skills of the very young since they’re usually developed through interacting with other children and unstructured play.

If parents have questions, the researchers recommend parents test applications themselves in order to determine whether they’re right for their child.

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