+

Janette Toral http://digitalfilipino.com

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Digital Media Habits of

Young Children

+Disclaimer

n  All photos and insights herein were given by the parents interviewed.

+Joshwa, 12 years old

n  With moderately severe autism spectrum

n  Watches videos and listens to music via YouTube

n  Was non-verbal at 5 years old.

n  Communicated via notepad. “Mommy”, “I want food” or “Let's go to Mc Donalds”

+Adrianne, 6 years old

n No gadgets without parental supervision

n Plays Disney games, Disney Jr., Nick Jr.

n When Mom teaches / explains, use visuals from Google to help her understand. n Used apps that

helped her to identify letters and words.

+“I believe that digital technologies may have ill effects on creativity, attention, motor and social skills. I always stress the importance of physical exercise and real-world interactions rather than virtual learning.” – Leira Pagaspas

+Caitlyn, 9 years old

n  Access the Internet in the evenings, up to 2x a day.

n  Mostly through an Ipad or the Telpad. Also has a netbook for her own use.

n  Likes Minecraft game (has paid version). n  Caitlyn wanted to reach a level.

Mom felt Minecraft was a game/application that was helping her become more creative.

n  Mom bought paid version of Fruit Ninja. n  Has Fruit Ninja app-cessory

sensei which was given to her as a gift. Bought app for US$6.99.

n  Wants to have Nintendo DS.

+It’s a good thing her parents are tech savvy – we know how to supervise and use precautions. We set up parental control, we have access to her accounts, she has FB and email and we know the password. She is also highly supervised by her yaya when at home. She is not allowed to use the computer in her bedroom, it should be used only in the family room where people can see what she’s up to. - Mel Dominguez

+Daine, 13 years old

n  Loves music, photography, reading books, watch movies

n  Surfs the Net 3 hours daily.

n  No mobile phone, tablet, or computer of own. Uses Mom’s laptop.

n  Plays 2Fuse and sporty games.

n  Listens to music via YouTube.

n  Communicates with her classmates via Facebook after school. Uses it also to discuss school-related stuff, e.g. group projects, assignments, etc.

+“Internet, when properly used, gives one a wealth of information. Without it, children are being deprived of the vast knowledge it offers which are not confined in the four corners of the classroom.” – Joseph Nico Cando

+Thirdy, 3 years old

n  Uses YouTube to watch game play of Plant vs Zombies, Angry Birds, and unboxing toys vidz.

n  At least two - three hours of Internet use on PC or iPad but mostly watches TV.

n  Plays Plants vs Zombies, Angry Birds, ABC's, Animals, Rosary App on Ipad and Shark App on Touch PC.

n  Dad downloads music that Thirdy likes.

+Thirdy, 3 years old

n  Dad bought educational apps.

n  Install free versions.

n  If Thirdy likes a particular app, Dad buys paid version.

n  Mostly at $0.99. Maximum Dad paid so far was $6 for an animal app.

n  With technology, Thirdy learned his abc's earlier, memorized a lot more words, names of animals.

+“I don't think kids are marginalized as kids, they always find a way to learn and get entertained. They go out and enjoy childhood in whatever way they can.” – Wilfredo Kaamino Jr.

+Julianne (11), Janelle (10), Jacob (2) Chiong n  Julianne and Janelle likes

iPad game for Minecraft

n  Jacob likes iPad Elmo, ABC, 123 games

n  Julianne has own iPhone

n  Janelle and Jacob shares an iPad.

n  Have Netbook for homework.

n  Uses the Internet 1 hour on weekdays, 2 hours on weekends.

+“Without internet access, kids will have a hard time catching up on research assignments given with just a very limited timeframe.” – Jehan Chiong

+Controlling Net Access

n Use a timer – indicate when time is up (Leira Pagaspas)

n Divert his attention in doing something else. (Wilfredo Kaamino Jr.)

n Use the Internet up to 7:30 pm. More stringent on exams week. (Joseph Nico Cando)

n 15 minutes of Internet use per day for non-school related. (Jehan Chiong)

n Use a reward system. Doing homework can earn Caitlyn an hour of gadget use. (Mel Dominguez)

+Digital Media Habits of Young Children?

n  It is up to the parents. They have a lot of control on what happens online.

n  Kids Internet access behavior is similar to their parents.

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