Techno Tots

Looks at the effects of the use of computers on the social, emotional, physical and cognitive development of school children. Overview of the negative effects of computer use on health; Recommendation on the introduction of computers in early childhood and elementary education.

By Kelly McCarthy, published on January 01, 2001

TECHNOLOGY

Is computer use threatening the social, emotional, physical and cognitive development of school-age children? Some children's advocates think so, according to a recent report issued by The Alliance for Childhood, a nonprofit organization focused on improving children's lives.

The briefing, "Fool's Gold: A Critical Look at Computers in Childhood," questions society's emphasis on computer use as a "faster, better and more exciting" way to learn, says Colleen Cordes, the report's co-editor. The statement suggests that computer use should be objectively assessed for potential negative impacts, such as eye strain, repetitive stress injuries and obesity. Otherwise, attention may be diverted from what children really need: one-on-one time with adults, hands-on learning, face-to-face conversation, and a healthy relationship with the environment.

The report was signed by more than 70 children's advocates and health professionals, including celebrities like Jane Goodall and Reviving Ophelia author Mary Pipher, Ph.D. It calls for an "immediate moratorium on the further introduction of computers in early childhood and elementary education."

Some experts, however, find the report reactionary. "You can't change the way society and culture have been strongly influenced by the advent of computers," says Alan Delamater, Ph.D., a pediatrics and psychology professor at the University of Miami. "I see absolutely nothing wrong with preschoolers using computers. Parents just need to be very, very involved. They need to monitor what their children do and limit the amount of time spent."

ILLUSTRATION (COLOR)