Children today are born into a world where technology is deeply integrated into the fabric of daily life. Parents use and depend on technology at work, socially, and in the home. But how do parents of the nation’s youngest children think about and guide the use of technology during the early years? Technology and Young Children in the Digital Age A Report from the Erikson Institute In a new national survey conducted by the Erikson Institute, technology use by young children under age 6 was found to be almost universal. In this study of 1,000 parents across the country, the most current snapshot of technology use among children in this age group today, 85 percent of parents reported that they allow their young children to use technology. Television, tablets, smartphones, and computers were the most popular. More than three quarters of those surveyed said that they use technology along with their child on a daily basis for up to two hours. Perhaps somewhat unanticipated, 86 percent of parents reported that they were satisfied with how their young children use technology, relating technology to benefits associated with child development and literacy. In fact, more than half of the parents said they believe that technology supports school readiness and impacts success in school. Despite these perceived benefits, 72 percent of parents had concerns about technology use, specifically around too much screen time, inappropriate content, commercial messages aimed at young children, and how technology use takes away from time spent outdoors, enjoying active play, and whether it disrupts sleep. Much like pediatricians, early childhood teachers are a trusted source of information for parents, our survey found. These two groups of professionals have a unique opportunity to educate parents around the best uses of technology during a child’s formative years. Erikson Institute and its Technology in Early Childhood Center provide leadership to inform the national discussion about technology in early childhood. The new knowledge we generate and expertise we share supports the work of these and other early childhood professionals and ofers parents the most up-to-date information to guide their choices.
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Technology and Young Children in the Digital Age
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