3 Answers
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I personally think there's a continuum. In a simplified sense, at least.
One the one end is passive media consumption (TV, video) and on the other end is playing with open ended toys (blocks, sand, water, etc.) Somewhere in the middle are interactive digital experiences and games, and by their design I think they can be as bad as TV, more or less, or they can be pretty creative and open ended (like a painting program), although of course not the same thing as real world open endedness.
The recommendation is that kids under 2 shouldn't watch TV. Particularly, I think, there has been a backlash on Baby Einstein products, showing that maybe they aren't as good for kids as parents think. In fact, Baby Einstein's website doesn't deny these claims, all they say is that as 68% of under 2 year olds watch screen based media on any given day, that recommendation is not in line with the realities of today's parents. And that they claim there are good ways to interact with the child and their products. Which is not how these are used a lot of time, as a quick babysitting solution for busy parents.
We don't watch TV. But we do let our 19 month old kid watch video clips we've recorded of her and her friends playing, and we talk about what she's doing there, and who is with her. She gets to play games on the iPad or iPhone occasionally, and she loves it so much we're pretty restrictive of these wants. She has some toys that make sounds and music (hand me downs or gifts - the most horrible ones we've hidden), but we have tried to make sure there's also lots of pretend play with dolls and cooking, building with blocks, playing with sand and water, sweeping leaves and twigs, singing songs, and reading books and looking at photos of family and friends.
Because although they are called learning tools or toys, I think the learning they provide is quite shallow - recognizing letters and numbers, for example. Faux academics for tots. Just think of it as entertainment, and you'll be better off, in my mind.
For what it's worth, I would advocate as a principle a restrictive but not total ban approach, with the exception of TV in early childhood. It's more about HOW you use these interactive tools and toys, than the tools and toys themselves. It's like sweets or desserts. Your life is a lot easier and more fun if you allow these things sometimes, on special moments and special occasions, like parties, and visiting other people. With a foundation of healthy, hearty, basic staples, I think you don't have to worry so much about a bit of digital here and there.
But, you should do what is right for your family, and your child.
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My short answer is that any toy, electronic or not, can provide useful desirable experiences.
For example, who is to say that a speak-words-when-buttons-pressed toy cannot be used for self-directed, open ended play? Maybe a child creates an imaginary dialog with the toy, or plays a game miming the words they hear, or sings a song with cleverly interjected electronic phrases, or starts a household treasure hunt to find what the machine "wants". The possibilities multiply when more than one child is involved.
I both champion the use of technology to improve children's learning experiences, as well as lament the vast quantities of overpriced electronic waste in the toy aisles. Ok, I might have high standards, but shouldn't we? It IS our money and they ARE our children and our future.
You present two extremes: embracing or shunning the latest technologies. As always, the middle ground is where most people find themselves.
Personally, I evaluate new toys on their own merits. I tend to prefer more active and creative engagement than passive absorption of stories and information. I also prefer real-world subjects than fantasy fiction. However, if my children want to play with "less wholesome" (and still age-appropriate) toys, I do allow it. But I naturally encourage them to play with the "better for you" toys by showing my own interest... and playing with them. It works wonderfully.
I believe our young children follow in our footsteps. If you are an active maker of your world, follow your own instincts for choosing toys and I'll bet that your children will be makers too.
If you are primarily concerned about your children having enriching experiences of any kind, it is safe to follow the recommendations of the "experts":
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70 years ago TV was in its infancy and hardly anyone had one -- or watched on a regular basis. 40 years ago Sesame Street was the newest " cutting edge" learning tool for kids -- on TV -- and everyone was watching it ! 25 yrs ago ( ?) electronic type learning games and toys began to appear. ( (If you include Atari games and Pac Man it was earlier). Today there are sophisticated electronic games for adults and kids. We are now surrounded by electronic media of all kinds, and this progress will not stop. The future will hold more of everything -- for kids and adults alike. Kids are going to live in a world of TV and electronic media for the rest of their lives. It will be used in their schools and Colleges as well. They might even have a career in these area. And who knows what " inventions" lie out there in the future. I agree with the " middle way". Healthy exposure, awareness, and the ability to make personal choices about how far to go with these options is crucial. Our job is to educate our children for the future, not hinder their progress in an increasingly competitive and sophisticated world.
The mental and physical health implications of children watching TV are still hotly debated today. Where parents draw the line on TV time and programs is accepted as a personal decision.
The biggest controversy surrounding children and technology today is probably video games. I expect the issue will intensify greatly as immersive technologies such as 3D displays and virtual reality improve and become commonplace, and as more people join massively multiplayer online (MMO) games and environments. The ability to play and connect through mobile devices magnifies the influence of games on our children's lives (and our own).
If you are interested in the influence and future of games, I highly recommend some of the talks over at TED:
The ideas expressed in these videos will positively change the way you look at games, and may even convince you that games will help save humanity... and Humanities. ;-)
- Hotdog, Aug 26, 2010