Using a computer every day can have more negative than positive effects on young children. Do you agree or disagree?
I tend to agree that young children can be negatively affected by too mcuh time spent on the coumputer every day. This is partly because sitting in front of a screen for too long can be damaging to both the eyes and the physical posture of a young child, regardless of what they are using the computer for.
However, the main concern is about the type of computer activities that attract children. These are often electronic games that tend to be very intense and rather violent. The player is usually the ‘hero’ of the game and too much exposure can encourage children to be self-centred and insensitive to others.
Even when children use a computer for other purposes, such as getting information or emailing friends, it is no substitute for human interaction. Spending time with other children and sharing non-virtual experiences is and important part of a child’s development that cannot be provided by a computer.
