We are entering an age where children are becoming more comfortable with technology and learning their ‘tricks’ far more quickly than those before them.
- Researchers surveyed around 290 parents, to a total of 350 children, between 6 to 48 months old
- They found that 97% of the house holds have TVs, 83% tablets, 77% smartphones
- 3/4 of children owned their own smartphones, and almost 1/2 one or more gadgets
The study polled a number of 289 parents, with a total of 350 children, surveying the frequency of use for smartphones, mobiles, tablets, or TVs. The research’s purpose was to understand how common smart gadgets are for children between 6 months to 4 years old. As it turns out, it’s quickly creeping to the very, very young generation.
It’s not an uncommon sight these days for a toddler to pick up a smartphone and start swiping through it intuitively. The amount of comfort is brought on by early use, along with frequent interactions growing up. For example, some parents use the devices to put their children to sleep by playing them lullabies.
It’s a useful tool that has grown in popularity. And, the study also regarded families with low-income. It means that the ‘digital divide’ is just barely relevant anymore. Access to the internet, music, or other benefits is becoming much more common, no matter the social status. And children are also adapting to it.
According to the researchers, 97% of the households owned a TV, 83% of them had tablets, and 77% owned smartphones. This means easy access, and that most children grow up with high-tech smart gadgets within their home. It makes it much easier for them to adapt, and learn them young.
The team of researchers found that three quarters of the children actually owned their own device by the age of 4, and around half of them used two or more smart gadgets. According to Matilde Irigoyen, who participated in the study, it’s an “amazing” find. The age gap between technology and the ability to use it is growing much smaller.
In fact, 20% of 1 year-olds owned a tablet, 28% of 2 year-olds could easily navigate through a smartphone without help, and 21% of 4 year-olds had their own gaming console. The speed to which they adapt is exceptional. Furthermore, the researchers were also astounded to see how many toddlers could very well use the device on their own.
Their growing frequency, popularity, and ease of use is making children using smartphones a common occurrence. While it’s positive news in terms of adaptability and development of certain skills, researchers also place cautions. Certain places, such as bedtime hours, should be restricted against using smartphones.
Furthermore, the study also proved that the ‘digital divide’ between low-income and high-income families is “melting”.
Image source: memeburn.com
palmer75462@mail.ru says
This is the era of technology. Children are more used to with technology though some parents use the devices to put their children to sleep by playing them lullabies. That’s actually no matter to used with technology matter is the abuse of technology. Parents should be more concern about it.
russell21225 says
Yes. Today’s children are so brilliant and they are more interest to use more technology in here. To enjoy they life they like to get more technology in here.
Frank Kolton says
Unfortunately technology isn’t helping children becoming brighter according to the steady decrease in math skills and reading comprehension as reflected in SAT scores.