At What Ages Is Technology Too Early Versus Too Late?

As a youngster, I loved technology. Even as an adult, I still get excited about new tech products.

I cringe, though, at the idea of giving my young kids tech toys. I apparently distrust the educational value of ClickStart My First Computer and Webkinz over more mundane items such as crayons and a stuffed animal.

That isn’t to say, we haven’t exposed our kids to technology. Seth and Lael get plenty of time with various artistic time sinks that my wife, Anne, finds for them.

Still, toys are beginning to look more like my BlackBerry than true toys. “If you give kids an old toy camera, they look at you like you’re crazy,” Reyne Rice, a toy trends specialist for the Toy Industry Association, tells The New York Times.

Alas, both of my kids would rather play with old cell phones than a toy version. Seth is keenly aware that the hand-me-down digital camera is nowhere near as cool as dad’s Canon EOS-20D. (Sadly, it’s already dated, but don’t tell Seth.)

But there is no escaping the trend in toys: Forget lead paint, hello silicon chips.

Are digital toys really good for children? Well, they certainly are not recommended by the American Academy of Pediatrics for children under the age of 2, reports the Times. But what about Seth, who is 5?

On the other hand, I worry about my kids falling behind the technology curve. One day a computer will be the single most important tool in their lives.

Should I should start teaching Seth and Lael how to code in  .net when they turn 6? Or should I wait until they turn 13?

I’m not really sure.

Comments

[summer]

Brett, I used a computer for the first time when I was 4. You know the old Apple kind with the golden type on the screen?

We got a nintendo when I was 6 for xmas. While I still think Mom played it more then we did, I remember many happy hours over the following years as we all played games together. One of my proudest moments as a teen? Beating my mom, fairly, at Dr. Mario. (To this day, it is still the game I play on my now-ancient NES to relax, think, unwind or calm down, and my chosen kick the boys who think they can win at everything game.)

I played some awesome games on the computer as a kid. That said, we didn't have everyday access to one until I was 16. My brother was 14 then. Today? He's a brillant coder who owns and runs his own online game - and even turns a little profit from it.

Do what works for the kids. My littlest bro (18 now) got a video camera for christmas one year because he wanted to make movies. I think he was 13 at the time...

I think it's likely that you and Anne turn the TV off enough, take them outside enough, and spend enough of the time with them when they're doing those screen-time-heavy activities that they're going to be just fine.

[brettdl]

Thanks. I guess one of my deep-seated fears is my kids becoming computer-hacking loners.

[kate]

you know what side of the fence I come on (anti-early media/tech)...but I also just wanted to mention that it seems to me that technology and interfacing with computers/tech don't seem to be things that requires years of experience.
Also, watching my generation grow up with computers only in late teen/college years (mostly) and still being able to "pick it up".
It seems to me that it's much more about a child's sense of curiosity, interest in the world, passion, sense of wonder, etc. that matters most in terms of how quickly they pick up learning about anything. Computers/gadgets/tech (in my humble opinion) is not really the pathway to these qualities anyways.
But you already knew I'd say that :)

[Summer]

well, I wouldn't worry about that too much brett. My little siblings had regular access to computers from age 6/8 on. They both use the computer and their cells all the time - to talk to their friends from real life. They both were active in band and sports, my sis was in the top 10% her class, and both are productive young members of society - by little bro is even a Eagle Scout.

They had cells in middle school - to call from sports events and practice, etc. It saved big time on soccer mom travel time for my stepmother.

Growing up with technology is like growing up with any other tool. It depends on how the family and the parents treat it. Don't get addicted to TV, to the cell, to the computer, to wine and the kids are less likely to. However, keep it from them? They're more likely to wonder what you're hiding or keeping them from, and they do everything they can to figure it out - then their at risk.

Of course, I'm not a parent, just the biggest sister of 4, one of whom is still in high school. So take my opinion with that in mind.

[brettdl]

Kate: I guess my worries comes from working with 20-something programmers who seem to communicate better with their computers than people.

Summer: Oh, I know you're right. But as I mentioned to Kate ... I see the results of a different kind of parenting.

[AJ]

I've arbitrarily set the fifth birthday as the time I'll consider introducing screen time and technology, but only when there is a clear educational benefit.

We didn't use videos to babysit our toddler (at a time when the brain's roadmap is literally being laid?), nor would I give an older child isolating tech simply because it's what's cool.

It's a question of how you use the technology. Play a Wii game with a friend? Okay. Play World of Warcraft alone in your room? Not my kid.

[brettdl]

Well, one thing I do know: no computer in kids' bedroom.s

[MarkS]

Brett, I read your post the other night and I had to respond in a bigger way, so I ended up doing an related post myself.

Upon completing my post, I came back here and read through the comments, which almost make my pose a bit superfluous as people echoed the same sentiments that I have.

And one other note... I find that most kids who like to spend hours on computers ARE NOT doing things with the computers that are going to help them later in life. They tend to waste a lot of time on games and putzing around and accomplishing little.

BTW, don't forget that success in life isn't the same as success in career. Some people can be so focused on career that they let big chunks of their life go floating past. It's very easy to do when you're in the tech fields. Long hours, always having to learn, everything needing to be done on .com-time, devices 24/7.

You and Anne are doing a wonderful job. Don't worry so much. And I bet if you just keep on watching them, they will teach YOU what is most important. ;-)

[brettdl]

What a great post on your site. Thanks, I appreciate it.