Apr 3, 2018
It’s common to see parents and young children interacting with digital media on smartphones and tablets. But how does the use of these devices impact young children? The answer, according to K-State Research and Extension child development specialist Bradford Wiles, depends on whether parents and children are actively engaged in the use of digital media. He says engagement with digital tools can support family interactions, support healthy development through co-viewing or co-playing, and promote school readiness. However, when these devices are used as a babysitter, it can isolate family members from one another and actually slow a young child’s social development.
Sound Living is a weekly public affairs program addressing issues related to families and consumers. It is hosted by Jeff Wichman. Each episode shares the expertise of K-State specialists in fields such as child nutrition, food safety, adult development and aging, youth development, family resource management, physical fitness and more.
Send comments, questions or requests for copies of past programs to ksrenews@ksu.edu.
K‑State Research and Extension is a short name for the Kansas State University Agricultural Experiment Station and Cooperative Extension Service, a program designed to generate and distribute useful knowledge for the well‑being of Kansans. Supported by county, state, federal and private funds, the program has county Extension offices, experiment fields, area Extension offices and regional research centers statewide. Its headquarters is on the K‑State campus in Manhattan.