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Games and applications: digital within easy reach
Touchscreen tablet: the big winner
The great digital boom among young people was launched a few years ago, thanks to tablets. And since then, the craze for these connected objects has not weakened. So ergonomic and intuitive, these high-tech devices are equipped with touch screens which have clearly simplified the use by the youngest children, in particular by freeing them from the mouse. Suddenly, there are more and more new games for tablets that are specifically aimed at children. The models of educational tablets for kids are multiplying. And even the school is doing it. Regularly, schools are equipped with tablets or interactive whiteboards.
Digital: a danger for children?
But digital is not always unanimous. Early childhood specialists wonder what impact these tools have on the youngest. Are they going to change children’s brains, their ways of learning, their intelligence? No certainties today, but the debate continues to inspire the pros. Studies are regularly carried out. Some highlight, for example, the negative consequences of screens (televisions, video games and computers) on the sleep of 2-6 year olds. However, digital objects can be beneficial for children as long as they are supported and helped to regulate their consumption. Without forgetting to continue reading books to them and offering them other toys and manual activities (plasticine, painting, etc.).
Computer, tablet, TV … For a reasoned use of screens
In France, the Academy of Sciences has published a report and gives advice on the proper use of screens among young people. The experts who piloted this survey, including Jean-François Bach, biologist and doctor, Olivier Houdé, professor of psychology, Pierre Léna, astrophysicist, and Serge Tisseron, psychiatrist and psychoanalyst, make recommendations to parents, public authorities, publishers and creators. of games and programs.
Before 3 years, the toddler needs to interact with his environment using his five senses, so we avoid passive and prolonged exposure to screens (television or DVD). Side tablets, on the other hand, the opinion is less severe. With the support of an adult, they can be useful for the development of the baby and are a means of learning among other real world objects (soft toys, rattles, etc.).
From 3 years. Digital tools make it possible to awaken the capacities of selective visual attention, counting, categorization, and preparation for reading. But it is also the moment to introduce him to a moderate and self-regulated practice of TV, tablets, video games …
From the age of 4. Computers and consoles can be an occasional medium for family gaming, because at this age, playing alone on a personal console can already become compulsive. In addition, owning a console or tablet requires rigorous control of the time of use.
From 5-6 years old, involve your child in defining the rules for using his or her tablet or family tablet, the computer, the TV … For example, fix with him the use of the tablet: games, films, cartoons … And the time allowed. FYI, a child in elementary school should not exceed 40 to 45 minutes of screen time on a daily basis. And this time includes all touch screens: computer, console, tablet and TV. When we know that little French people spend 3:30 a day in front of a screen, we understand that the challenge is great. But it’s up to you to clearly set the limits. Indispensable also on the computer and the tablet: parental control to manage the content accessible to the youngest.
Applications, games: how to choose the best?
It’s also good to involve your child in the choice of games and apps that you download for him. Even if he certainly wants those of the moment, you can accompany him to find others, more educational. To help you, know that there are specialized digital publishers such as the Pango studios, Chocolapps, Slim Cricket… The children’s editions of Gallimard or Albin Michel also offer apps, in addition to their children’s books. Finally, some sites offer sharp selections of games and applications for the youngest, for example, find the selection of children’s apps by Super-Julie, a former schoolteacher passionate about digital technology. Enough to take advantage of the many advantages offered by games and apps for kids!