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Like all things moderation is important. Tablets did not exist when our children were young, but they started using computers fairly early. Both were about 18 months old and would sit on Dad's lap watching him play a children's adventure game made for Macs. He let them press the mouse and buttons.
By the time they were 3 and 6 they were using an older computer as their own. Their use consisted of educational software I selected very carefully to help with reading preparation, reading comprehension, and math concepts. I never believed in software that spewed out facts at that age.
All of this was only a single part of a day. They had plenty of time with other toys and outside.
If they were young now, I'd consider a tablet. Again, I would very carefully select any games. No need to memorize math facts at age 3.
For what it's worth both are involved in tech careers as software developers.
My kids were using the computer when they were 2 or 3. We had some educational software and also games like Barbie fashion show or Dora's Castle.
My oldest got a mp3 player when she was 6 because she really wanted one. My younger daughter got a tablet when she was 7.
Now the kids are ages 14 and 11, each have their own computer and tablet. I just bought a phone for the 14 year old. The girls share a tv which they use to watch Netflix and Amazon Prime video.
My 11 year old struggles with insomnia and she used to roam the house crying and wake us all up multiple times during the night. Now, I make sure she has books to read on her tablet, and when she can't sleep she will lay in bed and read a book. She's finished many, many more books on the tablet than she was ever willing to read before.
If your son reads that many books, an inexpensive Kindle from Amazon might be a great introduction to screens. They are pretty much books only, and Amazon has many programs where you can "borrow" a book, or download the classics for free. If you keep it on airplane mode, it won't connect to anything, but all the books will be there whenever he wants to read. No games, no net surfing, no movies, no trouble. This is not the Kindle Fire, but a plain Kindle e-reader. My grandkids each have one connected to my account, and we load books for them as gifts. You would be in absolute, total control...and the kids would be reading!
Speaking of Amazon, if you want a good laugh, go to some of their cheaper smart phones and Fire tablets, and read the reviews from the parents of 2 and 3 year old toddlers who buy these things for that age! Reminds me of the olden days, when some parents who didn't want to parent, or just wanted to get the kids out of their hair, would turn the TV on to cartoons, and that would keep the kids quiet and occupied. I guess this is the modern day equivalent!
Both of our kids had leap pads when they were 4/5. We had a bunch of games but all of them were educational and taught them something. My son has been playing a computer game since he was 4 that is on my husband's steam account. He also plays Minecraft and he likes to the play the games after doing his school work on Scootpad. They also have Kindle Fire's and they have had them since they were 5/6. They watch videos, play games and read books.
Yea all these kids how they use tablets right up to their faces. ophthalmologists are going to love them when they get to be about 20. my nephew is going to need glasses from doing that stuff. practically everyone in my family wears glasses. but her husband doesnt. he didnt get any good genes.
My kids were using the computer when they were 2 or 3. We had some educational software and also games like Barbie fashion show or Dora's Castle.
My oldest got a mp3 player when she was 6 because she really wanted one. My younger daughter got a tablet when she was 7.
Now the kids are ages 14 and 11, each have their own computer and tablet. I just bought a phone for the 14 year old. The girls share a tv which they use to watch Netflix and Amazon Prime video.
My 11 year old struggles with insomnia and she used to roam the house crying and wake us all up multiple times during the night. Now, I make sure she has books to read on her tablet, and when she can't sleep she will lay in bed and read a book. She's finished many, many more books on the tablet than she was ever willing to read before.
you know they say the blue light from lcds are screwing up peoples sleep patterns.
My son was 5.5 when we gave him a Kindle Fire (he's almost 6 now). I was really hesitant. I still don't love it. At just over 5 he started having computers 1x a week in school. I also can't speak to the Autism aspect, but the table itself hasn't "ruined" him. I really did fear he would be totally obsessed with it and constantly asking for access. He still LOVES to be read to. He still talks nonstop. He can't read himself yet but we found some of the books he likes in app form and they are fun. The learning apps are good. We've found a fun odd squad game that involves math. There are games we play together and games he'll come to for help when he gets stuck on a level. It hasn't become a big problem. We don't take it out with us for the most part so we're all still talking (or staring out the window) on long car rides, he's not staring at it while we're in the supermarket or if we go out to eat. We were not anti-tv so I see it as the same, he plays when he might otherwise be watching a show.
I think he likes it most because it's his and he feels like a bigger boy. It has his stuff on it, a couple of shows too. I've blocked internet access (I think watching youtube videos is probably the worst thing kids do on them lol) so it's just games and books right now.
My oldest is six and going into grade one. He does not use anything like a tablet, desktop computer, or phone. He won a contest and will be getting a new tablet.
I hesitate. I know tech is important. I'm also a teacher and worked in a grade one classroom last year. It was horrifying to see how some of these kids wouldn't do a darn thing unless it was an iPad. Playing COD, watching zombie movies on Netflix. Ick.
My boy loves books ("reads" a dozen per day), is terrified of any sad scenes in movies, is he too young? Or am I just overgeneralizing from what I see at work? He is on the Autism spectrum too.
Autistic kids are more likely to become obsessive or even OCD than kids not on the spectrum. I second what Stan said and suggest talking to your son's doctor or autism specialist.
Thanks for all the opinions. My son is fairly high-functioning. His rigidity has reduced significantly in the past years. I let him use a Leapfrog today (something I've had holed up for years). He used it for 10 minutes and then went back to his Legos. He has impaired fine motor skills, and I think general tablet/computer use is too difficult.
When the device arrives, I'll let him try. I don't see any interest on his end, but we'll see.
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