Worried about your child's gadget use? Here are the advantages and disadvantages you need to know about

• Electronic devices may help to enhance speaking, listening, and creative skills.
• Toddlers and preschoolers learn by listening to music or watching programs on handheld gadgets or television. The visual representation helps to stimulate their senses.
• Playing competitive video games on electronic devices helps improve hand-eye coordination.
• Students are able to understand concepts better by using learning apps without any assistance.

• Young children may refuse to cooperate unless allowed to play with their gadgets.
• Excess use of electronic gadgets can lead to children spending less time outdoors and limiting their social interaction.
• It may lead to poor concentration in studies and lack of interest in day-to-day activities.
• Excessive gadgets use can lead to poor health, a sedentary lifestyle, and bad eating habits.
• Playing video games of a violent nature can have a negative effect on your child's behavior.

Be involved

To ensure your child reaps the right benefits, you need to get involved. You should bear in mind that parental monitoring and intervention are essential when it comes to content. Choose TV programs, apps, software, and gadgets only after researching. You can even consult other parents. Look for content that fosters your child's creativity, and social and academic skills without any exposure to violence and negativity.

Embrace the trend

Allowing your child to engage in electronic media may throw up some challenges for you. You will often find yourself wondering whether to appreciate its academic benefits or worry over online safety issues. Your anxiety may end up imposing a ban on such media. The best thing to do is make electronic media work for your family in ways that will help your child hone her skills, improve her performance in academics, and grooming her social behavior.

Choose wisely

The electronic media market for children is no more limited to television, educational DVDs, and computer games. What gadget you choose for your child will decide what he derives out of them. Most importantly, sit, watch, play, and discuss along with your child to make sure he is safe online.