questionnaire about apps for toddlers & preschoolers - can you spare a minute?

[plasticinemachine]

Hi, if you have a toddler or pre-schooler, could you answer the following questions? I am writing an article on this subject and just trying to gather peoples thoughts/opinions and also the reality of what kind of technology this age group have access to. Thanks:)

1. How old is the child you are basing your answers on?
   
2. Is your child allowed to access screen technology? (not TV)
   
3. Does your child have their own tablet (if so, what) or do they borrow yours?
   
4. Do you limit screen time for this age group? How much is allowed per day/week? Can they have TV on top of this?
   
5. What kind of apps do you allow them access to? Are they just for fun or more educational?
   
6. Why do you allow them screen time? What benefits do you think your child gets from it?
   
7. When out and about, do you allow your child to use a tablet/apps on your mobile etc? For example at restaurants, when waiting for older child doing a class, at bus stop, on train etc
   
   Thanks so much guys:)

[Mrscog]

1. How old is the child you are basing your answers on? 3
   
   
2. Is your child allowed to access screen technology? (not TV) yes
   
   
3. Does your child have their own tablet (if so, what) or do they borrow yours? no he uses DH's iPad, although we have set it up with him in mind, but he isn't aware of this
   
   
4. Do you limit screen time for this age group? How much is allowed per day/week? Can they have TV on top of this? I don't limit in terms of a set amount (some days it suits me for him to use it for longer), but I do call time on it when I think he's had enough, he is quite good at self regulating though - he often gets bored and wonders off). I suspect he has about 1 hour per day (in 2-3 sessions) using it.
   
   
   
5. What kind of apps do you allow them access to? Are they just for fun or more educational? *he has access to films/tv on our media server through Plex, various e books (such as Dear Zoo, and Miffy), all the free duplo games, BBC Weather (he likes looking to see what he needs to wear for the day) and a painting app.
   
   
6. Why do you allow them screen time? What benefits do you think your child gets from it? Technology is part of our family culture, we all use a lot. Lots of the apps are no different to reading a book, and both DH and I often interact with DS when he's playing games etc so it's not like he's sat there completely absorbed and not thinking/interacting.
   
   
7. When out and about, do you allow your child to use a tablet/apps on your mobile etc? For example at restaurants, when waiting for older child doing a class, at bus stop, on train etc. not restaurants, don't use public transport but I would consider if we were waiting around, but it's not something I've done yet.

[Mrscog]

Just to add to Q4 he probably has an hour of TV on top of iPad time.

[plasticinemachine]

Thank you mrbrowncanmoo and mrscog:) Much appreciated!

[TotallyKerplunked]

1. 3.9
   
2. yes
   
3. yes, hudl and laptop, he inherited them when dh and I upgraded things
   
4. no, but he doesn't use it everyday, TV is on a lot atm as we have a newborn so can't get out and do as much stuff as before.
   
5. both types, he loves letter/spelling apps and playing peppa pig games, mostly he is figuring out how to watch Thomas the tank engine on YouTube
   
6. gadgets are the future and we're a geeky/nerdy family, dh especially is obsessed with gadgets and DS is learning from him, in fact DS regularly shows older relatives how to use their computers and phones.
   
7. yes, I'd go insane if I didn't

[mrsmortis]

1. 3.5
   
2. Yes
   
3. No. She uses my iPad when I am around, and has access to her sister's LeapPad. She also uses a laptop occasionally while sat on someone's lap.
   
4. Yes, iPad is only allowed when I'm available to play with them. The LeapPad they could theoretically play with for hours but I then won't replace the battery for a while. TV no more than an hour most days.
   
5. Mostly educational. CBeebies, readingeggs, etc.
   
6. It's a treat that they have to earn and its a good motivator. Also they need to grow up as digital natives. They have to have an instinctual understanding of the technology to thrive in modern society.
   
7. Not at the table, then they should be interacting with the rest of us. But on a long train/plane ride or while we are at the hair dressers etc. yes.