kids.tech

Exploring Digital Horizons: Kids, Tech, and Development

Venture into the intersection of kids and technology, where groundbreaking innovation converges with crucial developmental milestones.

Explore the dynamic connection between kids and technology with us. Our content offers valuable insights, diverse perspectives, and reflections, guiding you through the constantly evolving landscape where young minds embrace the digital age seamlessly.

Are Video Games Harmful for Kids?

At What Age Should My Child Have a Smartphone?

How Can I Foster A Positive Relationship With Technology For My Child?

What Signs Indicate My Child Might Be Spending Too Much Time Online?

Discover the impact of watching YouTube during meals for toddlers. Explore the short-term benefits, long-term risks, and effective strategies for encouraging screen-free mealtimes to foster healthier eating habits and development.

Should Toddlers Watch YouTube While Eating? Exploring the Short-Term and Long-Term Effects

Discover the impact of watching YouTube during meals for toddlers. Explore the short-term benefits, long-term risks, and effective strategies for encouraging screen-free mealtimes to foster healthier eating habits and development.
Why Are Teens Turning to TikTok Self-Diagnosis?

Why Are Teens Turning to TikTok Self Diagnosis?

In recent years, TikTok has evolved from a platform for viral dances to a significant source of mental health discussions, sparking a trend known as TikTok self diagnosis. This phenomenon has gained traction among teenagers, who increasingly rely on the platform for insights into their mental health.
Roblox banning kids under 13 from social hangout games

Why Roblox is Banning Kids Under 13 from Social Hangouts: What Parents Need to Know

Social hangout spaces, in particular, have been flagged as risky environments where minors could be vulnerable to harmful interactions. By restricting access and improving content regulation, Roblox banning kids under 13 from social hangout games aims to minimize these risks and reassure parents.

Technology can be a powerful ally in education,

but its magic lies in the hands of parents who guide its enchantment toward the realms of knowledge and creativity.

Don’t miss our stories

Discover a list of stories and articles related to parenting, kids, and technology.

FAQ

Tech and Parenting Queries? Discover Answers to Common Questions

The numbers are certainly eye-opening—the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reports that children aged 8-10 spend an average of six hours a day in front of screens, while those aged 11-14 spend nine hours, and 15-18-year-olds spend seven and a half hours. And these figures don’t even include the time kids spend on screens for their school work.

The most exciting aspect of video games is their potential to make learning fun. Educational games, in particular, have been designed to seamlessly integrate academic concepts into gameplay, making learning feel more like play than work. This approach not only helps children retain information better but also fosters a love of learning that can last a lifetime. I’ve seen firsthand how my child’s eyes light up when they’re playing an educational game, eagerly absorbing new information without even realizing it.

 

Beyond the cognitive benefits, video games also offer a hidden curriculum that can help children develop important social and emotional skills. Multiplayer games, for example, provide opportunities for collaboration, communication, and teamwork, skills that are increasingly important in today’s interconnected world. By putting children in the shoes of different characters and scenarios, video games can also help them develop empathy and understanding, qualities that are essential for building a more compassionate society.

 

Of course, as with any form of technology, it’s important for parents to approach video games with caution. Setting limits on screen time and ensuring that games are age-appropriate are important steps in ensuring that video games remain a positive influence in our children’s lives

One way to manage screen time is to give gentle reminders as the time limit approaches.

 

As the time limit nears, let your child know their tech time is almost over. You can say something simple like, “Five more minutes, then it’s time to clean up,” for younger children. For older kids, you might say, “You have 15 minutes left on your tablet.” You can also mention the next activity positively, like, “In 10 minutes, we’re going outside to play catch!”

 

Try to find a natural stopping point in their activity as screen time ends. This helps them transition smoothly and reduces frustration. You can even set a specific time limit within the game they’re playing.

 

By giving gentle reminders and finding a stopping point, you can help your child manage their screen time better. This approach encourages responsible screen use while promoting healthy activities and routines.

Sensory Play for Infants and Toddlers (Ages 0-5)

During the early years, children experience rapid sensory development. Apps for this age group are designed to stimulate their senses and encourage exploration. These apps feature vivid visuals, captivating sounds, and intuitive interfaces. Interactive storybooks, for example, not only tell stories but also respond to a child’s touch, making storytime interactive. Music apps introduce infants to different sounds and rhythms, encouraging them to create their own melodies. Art apps provide toddlers with a digital platform to express their creativity, offering a mess-free alternative to traditional painting and drawing.

 

Educational Gaming for Early Learners (Ages 6-8)

As children enter the early learning stage, apps can be valuable tools for introducing educational concepts. Games that incorporate letters, numbers, and shapes help solidify foundational knowledge. Problem-solving apps challenge children to think logically and develop strategies to overcome obstacles. These apps also focus on improving hand-eye coordination through gameplay that requires precise movements, preparing children for more complex tasks.

 

Complex Challenges for Pre-Teens (Ages 9-11)

The pre-teen years are a period of significant cognitive growth, and apps for this age group reflect this complexity. Strategy games encourage planning and foresight, teaching children to anticipate and react to various scenarios. Creative platforms provide a space for children to build and design, fostering their imagination and storytelling abilities. Social apps offer a controlled environment for children to interact with peers, helping them develop communication and teamwork skills.

April Chamberlain

“Education is evolving due to the impact of the Internet. We cannot teach our students in the same manner in which we were taught. Change is necessary to engage students, not in the curriculum we are responsible for teaching, but in school. Period.”

Queen Rania of Jordan

“In education, technology can be a life-changer for kids. It can bring textbooks to life. It can connect students to their peers in other parts of the world. It can bridge the quality gaps.”

Marion Ginopolis

“It is not about technology; it’s about sharing knowledge and information, communicating efficiently, building learning communities and creating a culture of professionalism in schools. These are the key responsibilities of all educational leaders.”

April Chamberlain

“Education is evolving due to the impact of the Internet. We cannot teach our students in the same manner in which we were taught. Change is necessary to engage students, not in the curriculum we are responsible for teaching, but in school. Period.”

Peter Senge

“Many children struggle in schools… because the way they are being taught is incompatible with the way they learn.”

Chris Dede, Harvard University

“When we talk about 21st century pedagogy, we have to consider many things—the objectives of education, the curriculum, how assessment strategies work, the kind of technology infrastructure involved, and how leadership and policy facilitate attaining education goals.”