Playing on tablets can make toddlers more creative

New research published today suggests that playing on certain apps on a hand held computer can boost a toddler or young child’s creativity but others are less beneficial.

And the study, which involved Sheffield University, also found that in households with tablets almost a third of children under the age of five already have their own device.

Under-fives use tablets for an average of an hour and 19 minutes on weekdays and an hour and 23 minutes on a weekend.

Researchers found that while age-appropriate apps could help children with play and creativity, those which included many adverts for other apps and featured pop-ups for in-app purchases hampered this.

Apps aimed at older children, like Candy Crush Saga and Angry Birds, are less beneficial to pre-schoolers.

The project, funded by the Economic and Social Research Council, was undertaken as a collaboration between the universities of Sheffield and Edinburgh, the pre-school children’s television channel, CBeebies, children’s media industry partners Dubit and Foundling Bird and Monteney Primary School in Sheffield.

The project has led to a range of publications aimed at parents, early years educators and the children’s media industry, including recommendations for app developers that provide guidance on how to design apps for pre-schoolers.

Principal investigator Professor Jackie Marsh, of Sheffield University’s school of education, said: “The study showed that the use of apps on tablets by pre-schoolers can be very productive and foster a wide range of play and creativity. However, apps need to be chosen carefully by parents for this age group.

“Apps that contain adverts and pop-ups for in-app purchases can limit children’s play. In addition, while children of this age want to play some of the same games that their older siblings or parents play, these are not age-appropriate and do not offer a great deal of value for pre-schoolers.

She added: “Parents should look for apps produced by broadcasters or companies that know a great deal about this age group.”

In the study, researchers found youngsters use their tablets to watch television programmes and films, play games, listen to music, draw and paint, create virtual worlds, look after pets, dress up avatars and engage in role play. The study found children’s top ten favourite apps are: YouTube; CBeebies (Playtime and Storytime); Angry Birds; Peppa’s Paintbox; Talking Tom; Temple Run; Minecraft; Disney (general); Candy Crush Saga and Toca Boca.

From the top ten list, the CBeebies app ‘Playtime’ was the app that promoted the widest range of play and creativity for the under-fives.

Co-investigator, Professor Lydia Plowman of the University of Edinburgh, said: “It may seem surprising that in homes with a tablet, nearly a third of under fives have their own device. But when parents upgrade their tablet many pass on their older model to their children. Budget models are also popular gifts, as parents don’t have to worry so much about breakages. While there are benefits to children becoming independent users, it’s also important that parents are able to find time to share the experience of interacting with apps.”

Early years settings and schools could also play a role in advising parents. Peter Winter, information communication technology teacher at Monteney Primary School, said: “Teachers could be a valuable source of information for parents on apps that have educational value through the use of Twitter feeds, blogs and/ or newsletters. Offering guidance in these areas is crucial if parents are going to help their children to use digital tools effectively.”