How young is too young for technology?

Technology like computers and tablets can be very attractive to children. Am I alone in sometimes worrying about the amount of time Lil G spends in front of a screen? For me it is just the TV screen, movies are his guilty pleasure. He hasn’t yet moved on to a tablet. I know that in the months to come (hopefully years) that will all change.

There is one thing for sure, there will not be a TV finding it’s way in to Lil G’s bedroom for a long time. His bedroom is for sleeping right? When it comes to Lil G watching TV we are very selective about what he watches, with the majority being pre-school age appropriate, supporting his learning.

If we look at the world today it is clear that our children will be introduced to technology much earlier than we ever were. In schools they have so much technology around them and available for them to use. They will be using more social platforms than I have even heard of. That’s ok, he can teach me.

After all, if I now read my books on a kindle then is there really a problem with a toddler using a tablet? I have shielded Lil G from this world until now however as books are becoming antiquated in the classroom and as Lil G is fast approaching school, surely the younger he starts with technology the better?

I find it difficult to step away from technology myself so how can I be so hypocritical. I tweet, I browse FB, I pin, I have a You Tube channel, I have a blog, I share, I Instagram. It’s the first thing I check in a morning and the last at night, not before kisses & cuddles & a cup of tea of course!

I have seen some little ones who are glued to an IPad or a phone, in a technology bubble, separated from the world. At 3 years old I don’t believe it is healthy. Let’s talk. Let’s play. Let kids be kids. Where these children love to have their head in a tablet my little boy loves to kick a ball, use his imagination and create his own little world with his toys. Lil G naturally moves towards his toys, he doesn’t seek out his LeapPad or his V-Tech Laptop. Is this because I haven’t offered it to him enough or should I leave it for him to make the choice?

If he isn’t technology savvy by the time September 2015 arrives does this mean he will be at a disadvantage? Already he will be one of the youngest in his year. I can’t help but think that we are holding him back. Should we encourage him to interact more with technology?

Social media and technology are a part of who we are now. It is the world we live in. Don’t get me wrong, Lil G is aware of it. When he see’s me working from home, he does this…

Some would say it’s cute, he is a little sweetheart. I’m not sure what I think. Is it cute? Or is it the harsh reality of what is to come?

As I said technology isn’t a complete mystery to him. He is accustomed to me taking a picture or a video of him, capturing each moment, often recreating the moment or at least posing for a photograph. Mr H and Lil G are very patient with me. Although they do have their limits and I do my best to put the technology away just before the ‘no more pictures’ is screamed at me.

Possibly quite controversial, but we are choosing to embrace technology. Granted I won’t be setting up a twitter page or facebook page for Lil G, that would be silly. I will however push him to understand the world of technology that little bit more in preparation for him joining School next year. We have some time, no pressure. However as the autumn approaches I will soon be consumed with school applications, I can’t help but wonder what technology will be available for primary school children?

Decision made. I am not afraid to introduce Lil G to the ways in which we communicate. I will also introduce him to writing letters, reading books and writing to pen pals. Everything I did and loved as a child. If it’s not for him and technology is then so be it. He can make that choice.

Sharing intimate words is difficult for some, a picture tells a thousand words, a text can convey an emotion you’re struggling to show. So if writing it in a text message, an email or in a blog post is the way in which he can convey his thoughts then so be it.

Lil G isn’t afraid to tell me that he loves me, show me in some form but as someone who enjoys writing things down and kept a journal for the most part of my life, I’m actually looking forward to receiving his first text, reading his first written word.

The world as we know it is evolving. The way in which we communicate has changed. It opens up a different world of learning. Sharing and caring. Embrace it I say. With the right adult support I believe that technology can be beneficial to a child’s learning. Using technology in moderation is key.

What are your thoughts?