Flick the switch on tablet pacifiers

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Children need human contact to learn life experiences, says expert

A family coach has blasted the use of "electronic sedatives" on young children but Tauranga parents and educators say technology is a great tool when used correctly.

The Parenting Place family coach and parenting writer Jenny Hale said she was concerned parents were using tablet computers and other gadgets as "pacifiers" to keep their children quietly absorbed.

Ms Hale's worry was this could replace parental contact and isolate children from opportunities to learn from real life.

"When you go out with your child - to someone's home or a cafe - don't make the gadget the default distraction for your child.

"It's actually a great time for them to look around, ask questions, make some choices and learn how to behave in this new social context.

"That won't happen if they are just propped up in a corner with their electronic sedative."

Ms Hale said she did not have anything against gadgets if they were used well.

"The best way to use a device is with a child, rather than just leaving them alone with it. Have them in your lap or beside you so that you are physically touching and talking together.

"In that context, a tablet is probably as good as a book."

Gate Pa Preschool has iPad devices for its children to use.

Manager and teacher Caroline Hjorth said the devices were used for research and taking photographs, or for the occasional educational game.

"If something is happening, say they see a bug or a butterfly, they get to take photos so they can look at it later. We don't allow them to just sit there and play with them."

Ms Hjorth said these sorts of devices were great when they were used right as children today needed to know how to work with electronic gadgets. "But it doesn't need to take over their lives. They still need to know how to read a book and run, jump and play."

Julia Rutherford, president of the Western Bay of Plenty Playcentre Association, said if a child was encouraged to problem-solve and develop their creativity, and their natural desire to explore was supported, they would have the tools and confidence to understand and use technology when they need to later in life.

Ms Rutherford said at Playcentre, the children did not tend to use gadgets in session, other than cameras, as the focus was on adults and children interacting with one another without the distraction of technology.

"We encourage our members to play with and alongside their children, have plenty of quality face-to-face time with them, and to keep gadget use in moderation."

Te Tari Puna Ora o Aotearoa/NZ Childcare Association chief executive Nancy Bell said technology had a place in early childhood settings.

"It should be used as a learning resource."

On the flip side

• Tablets and smartphones are popular with busy parents who use them to pacify their kids, and many feel a little less guilty about it if they think there's educational value to the apps and games their children use.

• Gadget makers such as Samsung have introduced tablets designed for kids and many manufacturers of adult tablets now include parental controls.