Topic: Young students shouldn't use PCs, scientist claims

[Simon]

A psychologist has criticised the use of computers in primary and nursery schools, saying premature exposure to technology can cause long-term damage to children's learning ability.

ICT is increasingly used in schools at younger ages, but computer use among early learners can impair concentration, according Dr Aric Sigman - the same psychologist who previously wrote about the affects of social networking, sparking the Daily Mail's “Facebook causes cancer” headline.

http://www.pcpro.co.uk/news/education/358639/young-students-shouldnt-use-pcs-scientist-claims

[sam]

I quite agree in some ways that children should not be using computers. Then again do we want them to have a job? Its been too long for us not teaching the basics of computing. People leave school not really having a clue about computing - good for me, but bad for society.

[Rik]

I think the shrink has missed the point, TV has done the damage long before they get to school.

[Simon]

I strongly feel that children's TV programmes such as Telly Tubbies and Night Garden should teach proper words, not just silly noises.

[Rik]

Agreed. It all started with Bill & Ben.

[Simon]

I'm sure some of that was obscene! 

[Rik]

We shall never know.

[GillE]

I strongly feel that children's TV programmes such as Telly Tubbies and Night Garden should teach proper words, not just silly noises.

So should the BBC evening news.  I'm fed up with their 'vox pop' pieces to camera instead of journalism.

[Rik]

The BBC has forgotten what journalism is, sadly.

[Simon]

I rarely watch it.

[daveeb]

Agreed. It all started with Bill & Ben.

Sorry I disagree there Rik you're talking complete flobble lobble 

[Rik]

 

[sam]

I strongly feel that children's TV programmes such as Telly Tubbies and Night Garden should teach proper words, not just silly noises.

but at that point does it matter? I do wonder what the child behaviour people think on this - do they not need this or does this help or... who knows.

[Simon]

Babies start learning very early on, so I would think it does have some kind of influence.

[sam]

From their very first days, newborns' cries already bear the mark of the language their parents speak, reveals a new study published online in Current Biology. The findings suggest that infants begin picking up elements of what will be their first language in the womb, and certainly long before their first babble or coo.

http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/11/091105092607.htm