“I want my iPad!!” Screams a hysterical kid.

“Fine, take it! But be quiet!” The parent reluctantly gives up the device and the screams stop immediately.

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I can almost guarantee that you've run into one of these scenarios in your grocery store trips or long lines. It is the most common parental response to just give in and hand over the iPad. There are usually protests, screams, and sometimes uncontrollable hyperactivity.

This is usually where the infamous iPad acts as a pacifier to these children. “iPad Kids” is a derogatory slang term used to describe kids who are addicted to their devices. Devices have been pretty much engraved into our lives since we were younger but are iPads the best bet? When it comes to entertainment purposes it is perfect but what are some of the positives and negatives of using this device, especially at a young age?

Positives of iPads

Having access to an iPad can allow adults to get what they need to get done without interruptions, which is usually the whole point. The second they have the iPad in their hands it is a literal off-switch to their obnoxious behaviors.

Aside from that, iPads can make learning fun. There are so many different learning games that don't quite seem like learning games. This can keep the child's brain stimulated and learning while they are engrossed in a screen. Role-play games can teach kids things like manners, vocabulary, math, and how to function in society.

A major positive is that iPads can be safer than viewing TV. The average child exposed to television sees 200,000 violent acts by the age of 18 and views 8,000 murders on TV before they finish elementary school. It is always important to be mindful of what children are viewing so this is always a good positive to fall back on. With all the possible restrictions that you can implement onto iPads, your child will never be able to cross over to the dark side of the internet.

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Negatives that come from iPads

The use of excessive screens can lead to sleep issues which can affect your mental and cognitive development. Screen usage can also encourage an addiction to screens which is never good, especially in the real world. You have to be able to function without being on a screen 24/7/365.

Kids are very smart. The second they realize that they can get their iPad with a couple of screams or hyperactivity they will ensure that they will get the iPad they desire. When these kids grow up they will feel the unquenched urge to always be on their devices, and they might even turn into one of those adults who only stare at their phones. Not every kid will grow up into this sort of adult but some will.

Behavioral issues can also come as a result of iPad usage. The negative behavior associated with iPad usage has gone back since before COVID-19. In 2016, Sue Palmer, a psychologist and literacy expert discovered that kids spend 5-6 hours a day looking at screens. (Sometimes even two screens at a time) This can cause a lack of resilience in kids, this can make it difficult for kids to adapt to new rules.

Short attention spans, disruptive behaviors in public, and iPads as a security blanket. Some of these kids even need their iPads to eat and sleep, which is slightly disturbing.

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A World Without iPads

Without iPads can develop a bigger imagination and eating habits. A big imagination is crucial to life outside of your home. You need creativity in school to write pieces in English class or to entertain yourself off a screen. Not having an iPad to be obsessing over you will be less exposed to violent or oversexualized content, which contributes to poor academic performances, whether you realize it or not.

Schools may implement screens into their lessons and for entertainment but it is to supplement their learning and to make each activity more engaging. Additionally, schools tend to block content they deem problematic or inappropriate, so parents don't have to worry about their children getting exposed to school iPads or computers. Most jobs require the usage of electronic devices because it makes work easier and more efficient. The world wouldn't exist without technology.

Alternatives to iPads

You can use other resources like the Nintendo DS which can help keep kids off the internet and keep their brains active and stimulated. Instituting different things like toys. Fidget toys with lots of different components can keep a kid occupied for hours.

Especially if it's colorful and makes some sort of noise. Notebooks or coloring books can encourage them to use their imagination and have a little fun, fully screen-free. You might have to carry a little more around but it will do the trick. Don't underestimate the effect of active conversations these can entertain a child if you know exactly what to talk about. Not adult stuff, obviously but about things you know they are interested in can pull them out of the iPad loop. Sometimes a child can talk and talk about the same thing for hours at a time.

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Is it Bad or Not?

Being an iPad kid isn't necessarily a bad thing but it can easily become a bad thing when they become obsessed with the device and can't function in their everyday activities. It's important to know the good things and the bad things that can come with this device. The good thing about most devices is that you can set limits and restrictions that can protect kids from being exposed to certain types of content and for how long they can be on each device or app.

Knowing your resources is important in instituting iPads into your lives. You can't hide from technology but you need to have a balance. When you need to use it and when you could be doing something more productive with your time.