Is computer use worse than TV for pre-schoolers?

[Undercovamutha]

In a recent thread about toddlers/preschoolers watching TV, it was stated that HVs/paediatricians were very much advising parents against letting their children watch TV for any length of time. It led me to wonder whether computer use was deemed to be better or worse than TV watching?

My DD (3.5yo) currently chooses whether to replace her usual 'post-lunch/DS's nap-time' TV watching, with playing on the computer (either on cbeebies website or on the leapfrog computer keyboard thing we have).

She loves it, but given that the other thread stated that a paediatrician had actually advised against even having the radio on, I'm sure computer use must be a huge no no. However DD seems to really engage with the computer games, as opposed to adopting the glassy-TV-watching pose!

Bumping for you as I would be interested to know this as well.

Also which thread was the pead mentioned on? I must have missed it! Linky?

other thread

No, computer use isn't worse than tvs.

Children engage much more whaen playing computer games, and they learn fine motor skills, hand-eye co-ordination, and very very useful computer literacy skills. In today's modern world chilren need to know how to use a computer, it is not optional, and the earlier they can manipulate a mouse, right and left click, navigate their way round websites and type the better.

As long as the time spent on the computer is still monitored (no child should focus too much on one activity to the detriment of others) it can be part of a well balanced early education.

Most kids computer games online like cbeebies etc are focussed on educational suff too, it's no mindless killing or anthgin is it

OMDB - you have made me feel better! Thanks!

My DS2 is 3.9

He is a bright little body but fiercely independent and any suggestions from me that he could learn to write his name, recognise letters etc. are met with the most contemptuous look that a 3 year old can give .

Last week he came to ask how to spell his friend Tom's name. He has since taught himself to find t-o-m on the computer keyboard because by doing this, he can pull up the 'Tommy Zoom' website. We've since learned 'c', 'p', 'h' and 's' for similar purposes.

My point is that computer play can be a useful way into a child learning things that they might otherwise not be interested in learning. They can see cause & effect very clearly on a computer, and as a previous poster said, it helps with the development of fine motor skills, bilateral movement, etc.

I don't advocate parking a child in front of a computer for hours on end any more than I'd park them in front of the TV more than I do already. But I think carefully chosen CD-Roms and websites can be an invaluable learning tool.

Misshardbroom - that is so bizarre, because I have had exactly the same situation with dd. She refuses to try to write her name (she can do it), but will type it out on the computer. She can also type DS's name, and 'Mummy'!