You Are A Preschool Director, Social Worker, Or Friend Of A

You Are A Preschool Director Social Worker Or Friend A Parent Tell

You are a preschool director, social worker, or friend. A parent tells you that their child loves using a smartphone, iPad, or computer games. The parent is not sure if it is appropriate. How would you respond if the child is a toddler or a preschooler? Using this scenario provide an informed response for each age group that is based on the role you selected (identify which one) and include reasoning for your response including why or why not this is recommended or developmentally appropriate for each age citing your resources.

Paper For Above instruction

As a preschool director, it is crucial to guide parents on the developmental appropriateness of technology use for young children, considering their distinct developmental stages. The responses for toddlers and preschoolers differ significantly because of their different cognitive, motor, social, and emotional development levels. Therefore, offering tailored advice based on age and developmental needs is essential.

Advice for Toddlers (ages 1-2)

For toddlers, I would emphasize the importance of limiting screen time and choosing age-appropriate, high-quality content if screens are used at all. According to the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP), children under the age of 18 months should avoid screen time, except for video chatting (American Academy of Pediatrics, 2016). For children aged 18 to 24 months, if parents choose to introduce digital media, it should be supervised and involve co-viewing with an adult to help toddlers understand what they are watching (Council on Communications and Media, 2016).

Research indicates that excessive screen time at this stage can hinder language development, reduce face-to-face interactions, and impact sleep patterns (Dunckley, 2015). Toddlers learn best through direct social engagement, sensory experiences, and active exploration of their environment. They are naturally curious and do best with interactions that promote hands-on learning rather than passive consumption of media.

Therefore, I would advise the parent to limit screen use for their toddler and focus instead on responsive interactions, reading books, outdoor play, and activities that stimulate their senses and support their developing motor skills. Using screens sparingly and intentionally ensures that media does not replace vital human interactions and exploration essential at this age (Hirsh-Pasek et al., 2015).

Advice for Preschoolers (ages 3-5)

For preschool-aged children, I would recommend setting clear boundaries around screen time, emphasizing the importance of balancing digital media with physical activity, social interactions, and creative play. The AAP suggests that children aged 2 to 5 should be limited to no more than one hour of high-quality programming per day (American Academy of Pediatrics, 2016). During this time, co-viewing and active engagement by caregivers can enhance understanding and reinforce learning.

At this developmental stage, children begin to develop better language skills, social-emotional understanding, and self-regulation. While digital media can be educational and promote certain skills, overexposure can interfere with sleep, physical health, and real-world social interactions (Hinkley et al., 2019). Excessive screen time can also contribute to sedentary lifestyles, increasing risks for obesity and related health issues.

Thus, I would advise parents to choose educational programs that align with developmental interests and to encourage activities that promote imaginative play, outdoor activity, and peer interactions. It is also beneficial for children to have screen-free zones, such as during mealtime and before bedtime, to foster better sleep patterns and family bonding (Zimmerman et al., 2006).

Overall, encouraging a balanced approach helps preschoolers develop holistically, ensuring that digital media supports learning without displacing crucial activities that promote healthy growth and social development.

Conclusion

In conclusion, a tailored approach to screen time based on age is essential. For toddlers, minimal exposure with emphasis on direct human interaction is recommended. For preschoolers, controlled, high-quality media can be beneficial but should be balanced with physical, social, and creative activities. As a preschool director, social worker, or friend, providing evidence-based guidance helps parents make informed choices that support their child's developmental needs.

References

• American Academy of Pediatrics. (2016). Media and young minds. Pediatrics, 138(5), e20162591.
• Council on Communications and Media. (2016). Media use in school-aged children and adolescents. Pediatrics, 138(5), e20162592.
• Dunckley, S. (2015). Reset Your Child’s Brain: How to Raise a Healthy, Happy, and Smart Child in an Oversexualized, violent, and Phone-Obsessed World. Parenting Press.
• Hirsh-Pasek, K., et al. (2015). Putting Education in “Educational” Media: The Case of Digital Media and Young Children. APA Educational Psychology.
• Hinkley, T., et al. (2019). Digital media use and physical activity, sedentary behavior, and sleep: The latest evidence. Journal of Pediatrics, 210, 232-239.
• Zimmerman, F. J., et al. (2006). Parent and child perceptions of television habits. Journal of Developmental & Behavioral Pediatrics, 27(4), 254-260.