Are we giving access to computers to kids too early?

[Tomm]

"Sites such as Facebook, Twitter and Bebo are said to shorten attention spans,
encourage instant gratification and make young people more self-centred. The
claims from neuroscientist Susan Greenfield will make disturbing reading for the
millions whose social lives depend on logging on to their favourite websites each
day.

But they will strike a chord with parents and teachers who complain that many
youngsters lack the ability to communicate or concentrate away from their screens...

But while the sites are popular - and extremely profitable - a growing number of
psychologists and neuroscientists believe they may be doing more harm than good."
(Source: http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/art...-Chilling-warning-parents-neuroscientist.html)

In my opinion, character and personality significantly affect how one thinks and acts , hence affect
one's development and future. So what's the benefit to allow children to acquire some
computer skills BUT destroy their concentration, patience and reading ability and encourage
their instant gratification ???

 

[KitKatMatt]

"Sites such as Facebook, Twitter and Bebo are said to shorten attention spans,
encourage instant gratification and make young people more self-centred. The
claims from neuroscientist Susan Greenfield will make disturbing reading for the
millions whose social lives depend on logging on to their favourite websites each
day.

But they will strike a chord with parents and teachers who complain that many
youngsters lack the ability to communicate or concentrate away from their screens...

But while the sites are popular - and extremely profitable - a growing number of
psychologists and neuroscientists believe they may be doing more harm than good."
(Source: http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/art...-Chilling-warning-parents-neuroscientist.html)

Do you have a source other than DailyMail?

This is an interesting subject but that's not a trustworthy website.

 

[bill5]

We are giving computer access to kids too early.

Do you agree ?

Absolutely. But you realize you're spitting into the wind, right? Precious few get it. Techno-geekery is practically a badge of honor nowdays. :barf:

PS and oh btw I have been in I.T. for decades. This is not some anti-technology rant.

 

[bill5]

"Sites such as Facebook, Twitter and Bebo are said to shorten attention spans,
encourage instant gratification and make young people more self-centred. The
claims from neuroscientist Susan Greenfield will make disturbing reading for the
millions whose social lives depend on logging on to their favourite websites each
day.

But they will strike a chord with parents and teachers who complain that many
youngsters lack the ability to communicate or concentrate away from their screens...

But while the sites are popular - and extremely profitable - a growing number of
psychologists and neuroscientists believe they may be doing more harm than good."
(Source: http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/art...-Chilling-warning-parents-neuroscientist.html)

And again......spitting into the wind......

 

[Vylo]

Just limit the time kids have and don't leave them unattended. You can loosen the leash as they get older, but having seen firsthand the things an 8 year old can get into online, there is no way I would let my kid us a computer unattended until they were in their teens.

 

[Sketcher]

Computers at an early age, I'm fine with. Internet at an early age, I am not.