Studies Show Toddlers Are Surprisingly Adept At Using Touchscreens

Technology is constantly changing and it has gotten more difficult to keep track of digital trends. Touchscreens, however, is a trend that easily catches on according to a study published by the University of College Cork.

The results of the study, conducted by Dr. Deirdre Murray, is based on 82 questionnaires completed by parents of children ages 1 to 3. 91 percent of the parents involved in Murray's study state that their toddler is able to swipe and basically operate a touch screen device. Meanwhile, 50 percent of the parents say their toddler is able to unlock the device and 64 percent of Murray's correspondents say that their children search for touchscreen features whenever they encounter new technology.

According to a synopsis of the study posted on the Irish Examiner, toddlers have mastered these three previously mentioned skills by the age of 24 months. This is surprising since toddlers are not expected to be so adept when it comes to the use of technology. In fact, this shows an astonishing shift in what is considered as a customary play for children. The results show that 87 percent of these parents allow their children to use touchscreen devices for an average of 15 minutes a day. 

The study has garnered a lot of media attention since it has been posted. There have been pieces about it written by U.S. News and Medical News Today. "Traditional play in toddlers is changing rapidly, and touchscreens are becoming the most frequently used 'toy' for many children," Dr. Murray stated.

Murray's study also inquires about how long parents allow their children to use touchscreen devices such as smartphones and tablet computers. Luckily, many applications are now catered towards toddlers and young children. These applications have great interactivity and educational value.

However, this does not apply to a considerable amount of them because, according to Murray and his team, "there is no regulation of their quality, educational value or safety. According to this study, the use of touchscreen devices opens up their potential application for "both assessment of development and early intervention in high-risk children."