How young is too young? - When to expose kids to technology?

http://linuxlock.blogspot.com/2011/01/how-young-is-too-young.html

by sagarun • 16 years ago

9 5 16 years ago

linuxlock.blogspot.com

mcritz• 16 years ago

While I like the story, and I’m happy for his kids, I worry about a generation of children raised by Farmville.

Computers for the young, like sugary cereals, should be part of a greater life expeiernce that includes interacting with friends in person, reading, making music, and causing trouble.

icco• 16 years ago

I don't know, I'm not too worried. Currently the people in their 20's were probably raised on video games and they seem to be doing just fine (look at all of the people starting companies and doing cool stuff). I would argue that as a parent you can point to many things that are corrupting your children, and this has been the case since America was founded, if not long before.

Basically, If your kid is playing too much farmville, turn off the internet and kick them outside. It is as you say, when you are young, you need to experience everything, even causing trouble.

ddagradi• 16 years ago

And you better watch out for that damn rock-and-roll noise too.

Seriously though, kids seem to have done pretty well against the onslaught of new ideas and concepts that have been doomed to corrupt them. I was exposed to computers almost as an infant, and it didn't stop me from getting into all kinds of trouble.

But letting Farmville raise your children is an issue for that reason alone - computers aren't parents, and neither is a television. As the author stated, actively participating with and encouraging a child's desires and inquisitive nature is what is most important.

brianjesse• 16 years ago

I'm a dad of 2 and 4 year old boys, and a technical co-founder. I gave my kids a Mac SE with MacPaint and they like opening/saving documents and making paintings. I figure I'll let them play video games after they've learned to code some simple games, because then they'll be able to change the game. I've noticed other people's kids (older 9-10yrs) are "device kids" always with their nose pointed at some mobile device (gameboy, ipod) i'm trying to avoid that.

JoeAltmaier• 16 years ago

My boys started at age 4. They could type before they could write. Built their own computers in the 6th grade (probably started late with that).

We used/played with computers Together. They weren't raised by them. First we sat in front together and played Hugo mystery games. Later we put all the computers on a round table where we could see one another, play cooperative games, talk and socialize.

One boy is an Army Ranger. Another is in graduate school CS at CMU. The 3rd is competing on cello at ASTA nationals.

The computer was an incidental part of their growing up, like the blender or the car. And TV is lots more corrosive - none of my boys watch TV much, too boring, you can't interact, plots are moronic and predictable.

Anyway, no there is no 'too young'. Its all in what you do with them.

How young is too young? - When to expose kids to technology?

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