The Benefits of Introducing Kids to Computers Early

Every parent will understand the anxiety that can arise from introducing kids to computers. The internet, of course, can be a dangerous place. But so long as you supervise their sessions, introducing kids to computers early can have several positive benefits.

We wanted to walk through those benefits below, explaining why it can be a good idea to start computer learning between the ages of three to six, specifically.

Developing Digital Literacy

Computers are a big part of our lives now, there’s no question about that. Nearly every job will utilize computer tech in some way, so early exposure to computers can be critical for children to build foundational skills such as typing, navigating software, and understanding online protocols. It’s also worth noting that technology evolves rapidly, so young exposure can help build that groundwork and equip children with the ability to adapt to new systems and tools in future life.

Alternative Learning Platforms

One of the key reasons to introduce kids to computers early is because they provide access to a vast array of educational tools, games, and resources. Prodigy Math game, for instance, is currently being used by over 150 million people. This is a fantasy role-playing video game where kids need to answer skill-building math questions to progress through the world. Games like this can be hugely beneficial for providing a more engaging, personalized way to learn, without making it feel like too much of a chore.

Fostering Childhood Creativity

Every kid is creative in some way. Whether it’s drawing pictures, coloring in picture books, or creating stories, it’s a good idea to nurture your child’s creativity and allow them to blossom. The computer can be a great place to start. Creative software and tools – such as drawing programs, video editing apps, or open-world games like Minecraft – can allow children to explore their imagination fully, and develop all the most important, innovative thinking skills.

Building their Independence

Introducing kids to computers early can also encourage them to explore, learn, and solve problems on their own, which ultimately fosters a sense of independence. While it’s important to supervise browsing on the internet, setting up your child with a puzzle game or offline task, and then giving them their space to navigate it can be particularly beneficial for their self-reliance. This is then going to set them up for their future academic and career environments, where independence becomes crucial for progression.

Teaching Children About Online Safety

There are many child-friendly games to look into online, with some of the most popular revolving around online safety. As a parent, it can be difficult to explain exactly how to stay safe online to your child. The abstract concepts of privacy, cybersecurity, and appropriate online behavior can be particularly challenging to convey, but with games like Interland – developed by Google to help children grasp important internet concepts – it has become a lot easier to help children understand the dangers, and equip them with the right skills and knowledge to avoid them.