Principles for the wise use of computers by children

Abstract

Computer use by children at home and school is now common in many countries. Child computer exposure varies with the type of computer technology available and the child's age, gender and social group. This paper reviews the current exposure data and the evidence for positive and negative effects of computer use by children. Potential positive effects of computer use by children include enhanced cognitive development and school achievement, reduced barriers to social interaction, enhanced fine motor skills and visual processing and effective rehabilitation. Potential negative effects include threats to child safety, inappropriate content, exposure to violence, bullying, Internet 'addiction', displacement of moderate/vigorous physical activity, exposure to junk food advertising, sleep displacement, vision problems and musculoskeletal problems. The case for child specific evidence-based guidelines for wise use of computers is presented based on children using computers differently to adults, being physically, cognitively and socially different to adults, being in a state of change and development and the potential to impact on later adult risk. Progress towards child-specific guidelines is reported. Finally, a set of guideline principles is presented as the basis for more detailed guidelines on the physical, cognitive and social impact of computer use by children. The principles cover computer literacy, technology safety, child safety and privacy and appropriate social, cognitive and physical development. The majority of children in affluent communities now have substantial exposure to computers. This is likely to have significant effects on child physical, cognitive and social development. Ergonomics can provide and promote guidelines for wise use of computers by children and by doing so promote the positive effects and reduce the negative effects of computer-child, and subsequent computer-adult, interaction.

Characteristics associated with media use in early adolescence

“…Additionally, exposure to poor models can also promote inadequate behaviours 6 . Higher media use was associated with higher risk of physical damage, namely, muscoeskeletal and visual disturbances and irregular sleep patterns 4,5,7,14,15 . Psychological consequences, including depression, aggressive behaviours and addictive use 4,5,7 and social isolation 5 were also described.…”

“…Higher media use was associated with higher risk of physical damage, namely, muscoeskeletal and visual disturbances and irregular sleep patterns 4,5,7,14,15 . Psychological consequences, including depression, aggressive behaviours and addictive use 4,5,7 and social isolation 5 were also described. These effects were particularly relevant in adolescence since during this period of life adolescents become more vulnerable to the influences of their external milieu, where peers and media represent important elements 16 .…”

“…Studies with children showed a tendency to imitate positive social behaviours, such as altruism and helping 6 . Computer exposure can also supply increased learning opportunities, fast access to high amounts of information, as well as training of fine motor and visual skills 7 . On the other hand, high quantitative and negative qualitative media exposure may result in displacement of protective activities on the intellectual, physical and social levels, such as practicing physical activities or having real social interactions that are fundamental to a harmonious growing mind and intellect 4,8,9,10,11,12,13 .…”

“…Given the negative impact of excessive exposure to media 4,5,7,14,15 , especially at early adolescence, it is fundamental to improve knowledge about the characteristics associated with higher use to allow a better design and implementation of strategies oriented to reduce this exposure and subsequent prejudicial impact. Therefore, the aim of this study was to identify socioeconomic and behavioural characteristics associated with media use, in a sample of 13-year-old adolescents, in order to provide additional evidence that may help to optimize and target relevant interventions.…”

Australia and Other Nations Are Failing to Meet Sedentary Behaviour Guidelines for Children: Implications and a Way Forward

“…Prolonged close vision, for example reading from a book or tablet, could result in increased short-sightedness. 60 Sleep quantity and quality could be impacted by bedroom screen time and blue light from some electronic screens altering chrono-hormone levels . 60 Research supports a link between sedentary behaviour and poor health outcomes in adults.…”