Young Children's Use of Technology: A Guide for Parents

In our busy lives today, we are surrounded by technology. We use it when we are at work; when we are in our cars to reverse, to park and to work out the best route home; when we are at home to entertain us, to keep in contact with others, and to order food…the list is endless. Technological advances have not only enhanced our lives by making so many of our daily tasks easier, they have also extended our lives in terms of medical care and treatments. Along with these benefits, however, there are downsides to this ever-growing use of technology such as a decrease in face-to-face social interactions, people comparing their own lives unfavourably with what they see on social media, and people spending less time experiencing things out in the ‘real world’. Debates about the impact of too much technology for children are commonplace, but the warnings about too much screen time and the dangers of the internet usually centre on older children. In this resource we focus on the ways young children aged 0-6 use technology, and think about the potential impacts this might have on their wellbeing and their development – both good and bad. We consider what young children need to support their development and explore how you, as a parent or guardian, can make the best decisions around your child’s use of technology in an informed way to ensure that they are safe, healthy and happy

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Resources for Parents & Families (Post-2016)