Are computers bad for kids development?

[Zent]

A study of 100,000 pupils in 31 contries around the world has suggested that using computers harms children's education.

Avoiding PCs in the classroom and at home improved the literacy and numeracy of the childeren studied, according to a report for the UK's Royal Economic Society. "Dispite numerous claims by politicians and software vendors to the contrary, the evidence so far suggests that computer use in schools does not seem to contribute substantially to students' learning of basic skills such as maths or reading," says the authors.

Could computers be making kids stupid?

[notserp007]

I don't think so... it may change the kids development, but I don't think the change is a bad change. It's truly up to the kid to use it responsibly.

[Salaminic]

Well... Computers really can harm the kid... If he's dumb. Nah... I dunno... Let me say it like this...

When I was a kid I got a PC. And... Since then I'm like I am now. Well... the change wasn't instant, but the PC turned me the other way. I hate reading books... I don't study... I don't do anything. I don't care actually... Just recently, I got into books. I don't play games almost at all now... I'm starting to read books more and more, and stuff... I still don't read the books that I should, for school. Those books are stupid and boring... But yeah. If a parent, lets say... Watches that the kid doesn't go too much into it, it's all good. Just be... Responsible I guess. No games and stuff like that, on the PC.

[Sasori[RedSand]]

computer changed my life totally.I was a guy that used to stay out from morning till midnight.Now i totally got addicted to computer.

[HinataCuddle]

Ok the problem here is that there is some confusion about the difference between "to make stupid" and "to not help when studying".

If computer made kids stupid, I would be completely dumb by now. I don't believe I am. I mean, I've been using computers since I was a lil kid, ad if it were true that computer made people stupid, my brain would've been fried by now.

Now, the interesting question is whether the're a valid study aid or not. I'm not sure about it. I mean, in italian schools there are no computers in the classrooms, and we have a fairly good education system. I mean, the system itself may not be perfect, but I've been in a fairly good school, and it didnt have any computers. So I guess that at least in my particular case, computers were not a fundamental part of my education.
Oh, I would've wished they were of course, but only because a computer would've looked cool in my classroom, and maybe I could've smuggled a game or two in it. But as I said, I'm unsure: on the other had, I think that if used correctly, computers represent a valid study aid. But just that, an aid. Something that can be done without.

[Salaminic]

Yeah, your right HinataCuddle... But I was thinking more of... Kids in elementary school with a computer at home.

computer changed my life totally.I was a guy that used to stay out from morning till midnight.Now i totally got addicted to computer.
Tell me about it... The very same case with me. I mean... Who needed lunch when you got friends and could hang out? Now... Ah shit...

[HinataCuddle]

Yeah, your right HinataCuddle... But I was thinking more of... Kids in elementary school with a computer at home.


Oh well, that's pretty harmless I suppose. As long as you're not 100% of the time on the computer. And not because the computer itself makes you stupid, but because one should be studying at least for some time :D
As I said, if computers themselves made kids stupid, for the amount of computer time I've dedicated my attention to I shouldn't be able to sum 2+2. xD

[kstylegunz]

I've read about this story in the newspaper, well I have mixed feelings. You can adapt to technology and learn through using computers but other than that what can you really do outside? It depends, really

[majinsharingan]

I think at too early of an age it can...but not like at my age or Kyle's age.

[Senwyn]

Computers don't help when it comes to studying.
They act as a very good reason not to do it!!

[Incendiary]

Well, it's definitely harming my developement.
If not for computers, I'd never watch anime or game whatsoever.
I'd probably be applying to college right now.
But sadly I'm too busy having the computer eat up my brain. :)

[KaitouSai100]

http://i27.photobucket.com/albums/c194/venusgal100/Icons/Humorous/a66968ba.png

[Kisame]

i really dont think so, at least i hope not because im on the computer alot and i dont think im not dumb but good question =P

[majinsharingan]

I find it Ironic people are bashing the internet...on the internet.

[Incendiary]

But you see Matt, it's the same as bashing a murderer before you're about to get slaughtered...

[majinsharingan]

...not really...it's like bashing a murderer then killing someone.
Cause it's doing what your saying is bad.

[Incendiary]

But I am not the one controlling my death...the computer is... it's controlling me.. my mind... THE WORLD!!! SPARTA!!!

Woah I got carried away ...a bit.

[majinsharingan]

lmao.
watching 300 are we?

[Incendiary]

Yeah... it's addicting as heck. D:

There goes another reason for why computers are evil little glowy things.

[HyuugaHinata]

Once I knew about the internet - which was when I was like 8- my eyes opened. Without it, I believe I would be less intelligent right now. I learned a lot through it.

[PriscillaXOXOXOX]

i personally think computers anr helpful, i mean, if you meet someone who doesn't know how to use the computer, you'll call them stupid, not someone who's always on one.:)