Inside: Computer Basics for Kids: What and When to Teach Children. Collaborative post.
Thanks to tech development, your child already has more experience with different computer types than you do. That’s life – now kids easily operate smartphones and ask Alexa to play a song or video (which are also computers).
However, there is actual value in teaching children how to use a traditional computer, its keyboard and mouse – they will use it for academic purposes. This begs the question of when to introduce computers to kids and what fundamental computing skills are required.
So, without further ado, let’s explore some essential computing concepts for youngsters together.
When Is the Right Time to Teach Your Kid Using the Computer?
Each family will have a different view on this question depending on their lifestyle and attitude toward technology.
In some families, kids witness their parents using computers every day, so they will be ready to start learning around age 2 or 3. This as a rule makes them more independent. Some families are still conservative and don’t allow children to use any tech type until 5.
No matter the family traditions, there are a few general suggestions. Children should start using computers when:
- They are of an age when they at least know what a computer is (the majority of children under three see only light and noise).
- They are at most old enough to begin utilizing computers in the classroom.
- You’re nearby to control your children. If you’re a working-from-home mum, it’s easy, but if not – find someone who will be responsible for that.
Well, many psychologists insist that kids younger than 3 should avoid looking at any screens. This means that your youngster can begin using computers between the ages of 3 and 6. You can engage your child in family games or educational activities at the start. This is a great option to include in the school holiday plan.
But try to control what’s happening on the screen. Children shouldn’t study how to use computers unsupervised.
Basic steps for teaching kids how to use a computer
All children require the same computer abilities, regardless of their level of interest.
- Practice using the mouse and trackpad (if it’s a laptop). Each laptop has a unique set of pointing devices, such as joysticks, mouse, and touchpads with or without buttons. All of them will need good coordination and fine motor abilities.
- Find out how to log in. Kids should learn to turn on the computer and sign in to their accounts independently. Teach children the fundamental login procedures and help them to remember the user’s password.
- Learn typing. When kids are in school, good typing abilities are crucial. Moreover, it is advisable to start teaching young children good typing techniques because kids pick up on things quicker than adults do. Luckily, there is a great number of typing software for kids.
- Learn how to run apps. Kids should learn how to run apps on a computer, both through menu navigation and the search function.
- Dive into the search. When your child grows up, they’ll inevitably use the Internet.
Although your child will probably be old enough to use a computer, you still should control how they use search engines at first. Here it’s essential to pay attention to internet safety for kids since the Internet is a catch-all space, and the vast part of it isn’t safe for kids.
In case you cannot be near your kid, you can record their screen and further check what your beloved was watching and doing. Thus, you could correct their computer behaviour. You can try the best screen recorder for Mac or some of the best screen capturers for Windows.
Working Tips Parents Should Follow
Parents should teach their kids how to use the equipment securely when they first introduce them to computers. Here are seven tips for instructing safe and beneficial computer use.
1. Teach kids to take care of the computer
Whether a child uses a family laptop or has a computer, proper maintenance is crucial to avoid expensive damage. Ask your kids to keep food and drinks away as well as handle the device with care. Raise a kind and compassionate child.
2. Make a computer use agreement
Set limits on how long laptops can be used, set specific rooms for laptop use, and require children to ask you for permission each time they would like to use their device.
3. Divide user accounts
If a child uses a shared family computer, parents can set up separate accounts for each family member. When a child logs into their user account, they should access apps and programs approved by their parents.
4. Take care of kids’ health
Use the 20-20-20 rule: to prevent digital eye strain, every 20 minutes, children should spend roughly 20 seconds focusing on an item that is at least 20 feet away. Also teach them to give their eyes a break, not to hunch over at the table, and to get up and move from time to time.
5. Install educational apps
When choosing apps and programs to download to a child’s computer, parents should first download educational apps for kids. Look for themed apps that reinforce kids’ knowledge in school or games that help kids develop critical thinking.
For example, ABCmouse offers kindergarten games online, catering to the early learning needs of your kid. These activities are designed in an interactive way, making learning shapes, numbers, or alphabets enjoyable through play.
6. Prevent children from sharing personal information
Prohibit your kid from sharing their name, phone number, address, passwords, or school spot.
7. Tell about ads
Teach children to avoid clicking on pop-up advertising or other advertisements on websites when they are online. Children should be told that opening pop-up advertising can cause virus infections or unintended downloads.
Final Thoughts
Being present is the best thing you can do. Be near them. Spend time online with your youngster using apps and activities to model good online behavior. Make sure your child is using a computer in the family’s common area so you can watch over them, listen to them if they have any worries, and watch videos with them. Good luck!