What Is The Right Age For Computer Use?

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This weekend, while visiting one of my relatives I was surprised to see that her child who is just about 4 years of age, was operating the computer with ease and knew computer facts on his finger tips. Years back when we were in school, computer was introduced to us only in the 5th grade. With time, demand and competition, children are getting involved in computers at a very early age.

According to DR. Leon Straker's, recent report on BBC news, several health issues have been noticed among children who get involved with computers a very young age. The age in which children start using computer as per reports at present is three years, which is hazardous to health and thus, health disorders from a very young age is prevalent. The question here arises, which is the right age of computer use?

Age Seven – The right age to start computer use can be age seven, when the child will be in the 3rd grade. By this time the motor skills are developed. But at this age the use should be restricted to keyboard knowledge and the practice time should not be more than half an hour.

Age Nine – The right age for computer use for further knowledge of the system is age nine, as by this time, the physical and mental development suits the understanding which the computer knowledge demands. Age nine is the right age for computer use only to understand how the condition logic works. Computer knowledge before this age might create pressure on the child and thus, lead to stress.

Age Eleven – By age 11, the child can start playing video games and understand the object oriented concept of computers. By age 11, the technical understanding capacity of the brain is enhanced. Though doctors say that the time on computer should be restricted to an hour, to make use it does not pressurize the brain amongst all the other studies. This is also the age close to puberty and a time when social behaviour is developed. At this time of age, if the child is restricted to computers, it might hamper the social understanding. At this age physical activity also plays an important role in physical development. Addiction to video games is high at this time, which might result in reduced physical activity and thus, slow development.

Teenage And Above – With the present demand and competition one cannot keep children away from computers and teenage is the right age but under restrictions. The restrictions and reasons are similar to age 11, only the time spend on computers can be increased to few more hours.

It is important to follow the right age of computer use, to prevent children from health hazards of computers. At a time of physical and mental development, excessive exposure to computers can easily cause health hazards like weak eye sight, spondylitis, stress etc.