The impact of computer use on childhood development in today's society can be beneficial and yet damaging. Some computer programs have been made to teach our children how to write, read, and spell. And they are a non-threatening and fun way to introduce children to computers, and some games may also help child development by improving children's hand-eye coordination and attention to detail. There may also be a large amount of children that have gotten more knowledge through using such programs and have succeeded immensely. Many programs developed throughout our technologies history have been proven to heighten children's learning abilities. Such programs include, matching, problem solving, and even skill building.
Another pro that can be considered when figuring out the impact of computer use on childhood development, falls under the category of learning how to navigate and being able to achieve in certain games that allow child to defeat various challenges and levels. Completing these goals can build a child's confidence and make them feel like a winner. Some computer games let you choose how difficult or easy you want the game to be allowing almost anyone to accomplish a challenge.
Researchers have in fact indicated that computer and video games - albeit they have their didactic advantages - are relatively more harmful to the growth and smooth development of children. This is because most often than not, the games are loaded with anti-social features such as crime, violence, crude and obscene language, and sometimes even outright pornography! Unfortunately, these have for the most part been indicated to be the category of games beginners find highly attractive. A survey of public computer and video game halls in the Buea Municipality reveals that the games youngsters play most fall within the afore mentioned categories.
Now found 89% of video games to contain violent scenes or actions. The effect of this violent activity on children's behavior has become a source of considerable concern for some parents. Research by Funk and the National Coalition on Television Violence show that playing violent video games does lead to a temporary increase in violent behavior in some children, with 15% of video game playing children reacting violently to test stimuli and only 3% of non-players reacting violently.
References:
http://ezinearticles?The-Impact-of-Computer-Use-on-Childhood-Development&id=1451567
http://toysadvice.co.uk/impact-computer-...pment.html
http://ehowlist_6638565_computer-effects...pment.html
http://tigwebyouth-media/panorama/article.html?ContentID=3798