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Exposing Children to Technology?

Posted by ryuzaki0 on from the how-young-is-too-young dept.

LabelThis asks: "While I'm not a huge fan of immersing children in technology, there is a certain point at which you must expose them to the tools that will help them be successful in the world. Looking back, I distinctly remember my parents making every effort to provide a computer for me and my sibling, early on (they bought an Atari 400 for us when I was 5). Either by accident or on purpose, that single decision (and the continued follow up of purchasing newer computers as needed) shaped my future and the future of my siblings. I now have a daughter, and my wife and I have a number of years to before we worry about equipping her with technology (right now spending time with her and helping her be a happy well adjusted toddler are our primary concerns). In the spirit of my parents choice, what type of tools should parents be equipping their children with, today?"

3 of 466 comments (clear)

  1. To follow on that thought by TubeSteak · · Score: 3, Informative

    A computer is a tool, teach your kids that.
    The internet... is a distraction that young children don't need.

    Or if you do decide to stick them on the internet, be there while they use it. Make it an experience that involves you, the parent. Don't let the internet turn into the TV babysitter that some parents use.

    And for God's sake, don't let them log on as Administrator.

    --
    [Fuck Beta]
    o0t!
    1. Re:To follow on that thought by Planesdragon · · Score: 3, Informative
      Maybe i've been using Linux too long, but I've found that my computer is largely useless as a tool without an internet connection.

      It's not Linux. It's you.

      A (short) list of things that a computer is good for without an internet connection.
      1. Calculator
      2. Budget tracking
      3. Media player
      4. word processor
      5. Learning Computer Programming
      6. playing computer games
      7. quiz-tester
      8. Study aide
      9. alarm clock

      All things that a kid could use, all avaluable (with proper setup) without the internet at all.
    2. Re:To follow on that thought by ObsessiveMathsFreak · · Score: 4, Informative

      The internet... is a distraction that young children don't need.

      Not really. To be honest, I don't know how one could really raise children without Wikipedia.

      --
      May the Maths Be with you!