Technology is around us everywhere and is part of young children's daily lives as much as ours. I couldn't manage without the internet, my iphone, ipad, laptop ( well I think I couldn't and infact had a blip in connection this week so was without it for a day...I survived!) Parents offer young children their phone to play with in restaurants or whilst they are sitting in their pram, nursery and school settings are investing in more and more technology to use with children as well to support their work.
It's all good...but have we really thought through the benefits and risks? This week I've been re-reading Facing the Screen Dilemma, published by the Campaign for a Commercial Free Childhood, as part of my work with a setting on using iPads and iPodtouch and we are asking ourselves some challenging questions...
Do young children need screen time at all?
Is this the best way for a child to learn about...?
Why do we want to use this technology?
What is this adding to our practice?
We're still thinking and will get back to you. Have a read and see what you think.