Table of contents

• Does replacing toys with iPads make children dumber or weaker?
• Advantages of Traditional Toys and STEM Toys
• Representative categories of Kidrise STEM toys
• How to balance the use of technology and physical toys
• Conclusion

Does replacing toys with iPads make children dumber or weaker?

In modern families, electronic products such as tablet computers are becoming more and more common. Many parents are therefore concerned about whether replacing traditional toys with iPads will affect their children's development. In fact, many studies have pointed out that excessive screen use can have a negative impact on young children's cognitive, language, emotional and social abilities. For example, looking at tablet screens for long periods of time during infancy and childhood can weaken language interactions with parents and may lead to delayed vocabulary and language development. At the same time, high-frequency use of electronic screens is also associated with inattention and impaired executive function development, and may cause behavioral problems such as mood swings and decreased self-control.

In addition, screen time consumes children’s opportunities for social interaction and can easily reduce face-to-face communication between parents, children and peers, which has an adverse impact on social skills and emotional expression. It is worth noting that clinical studies have also found that using electronic devices before bedtime will inhibit the secretion of melatonin, delay the time to fall asleep and shorten the total amount of sleep, thereby affecting physical and mental health. Therefore, long-term reliance on iPads or similar devices to replace toys may cause children to lose key opportunities to develop language, cognitive, emotional and social skills.

Advantages of Traditional Toys and STEM Toys

Research shows that the hands-on opportunities provided by traditional physical toys are essential for children's development. Playing with building blocks and puzzle toys allows children to practice fine motor skills and hand-eye coordination, while stimulating their creativity and imagination. In these open-ended games, children learn to transform everyday objects into stories or constructions through free construction and role-playing, deepening their understanding of the world.

At the same time, toy play also promotes cognitive abilities. Research shows that hands-on play with toys can improve children's concentration and memory, and develop basic cognitive skills such as math and logical thinking during play. In terms of emotions and social interaction, parents playing with their children or interacting with other children can enhance parent-child emotional connection and practice communication and cooperation skills. Compared to watching screens, physical games allow children to express their thoughts and feelings more actively, and build empathy and social skills.

• Fine motor skills and hand-eye coordination: Physical puzzle or building block toys encourage children to do things independently, practice grasping and building. These movement exercises help develop hand-eye coordination and fine motor skills.
• Creativity and Imagination: Traditional role-playing toys or open-ended building block play allow children to construct their own storylines, thus stimulating innovative thinking.
• Cognitive and learning abilities: During the game, children’s cognitive abilities such as attention, memory and spatial reasoning will be improved. For example, learning balance and geometry concepts by stacking blocks can lay a foundation for math in an enjoyable game.
• Social and Emotional Development: When playing with toys with others, children learn to communicate, take turns, and collaborate, which helps build empathy and emotional connection. Toys can also serve as an emotional outlet for children. For example, holding a doll and simulating a conversation can help children express and manage emotions.

Representative categories of Kidrise STEM toys

Photo: A child is operating a programmable robot. The STEM educational toys provided by Kidrise, such as programming robot kits, allow children to learn programming logic through actual construction and programming.

Kidrise's main STEM educational toys include a variety of representative categories:

• Programming and robotics kits: For example, Scratch programming robot building block sets or programmable cars, children can assemble the parts themselves and write simple instructions using a mobile phone app. This type of toy allows children to learn "programmed thinking" through games and understand concepts such as sequence, conditions and loops. Studies have shown that STEM toys such as programming robots can stimulate children's logical thinking and creativity, allowing them to think actively and solve problems. By constantly trying and correcting programming errors, children can also develop an attitude of persistence and independent learning.
• Construction Blocks: Kidrise's geometric magnetic blocks or engineering blocks encourage children to freely build various shapes. In the process, children learn physical and mathematical principles such as balance, proportion, and structural stability. Studies have found that building block games can not only train children's observation and concentration, but also cultivate engineering thinking and creativity through the process of trial and error. For example, children implicitly understand concepts such as "center of gravity" and "stability" in the process of adjusting building blocks.
• Science experiment kits: including electronic circuit assembly and chemical experiment sets, etc. These toys allow children to do experiments by themselves, such as building simple circuits and observing chemical reactions. In practice, children use observation, recording, and reasoning to understand scientific principles. Education experts point out that through this kind of "learning by doing" method, children can develop critical thinking and a spirit of inquiry in a fun way. These toys are often designed as step-by-step experimental projects, so that children can gain a sense of accomplishment after completing each small task, thereby enhancing their self-confidence and motivation to learn.

How to balance the use of technology and physical toys

Faced with the dual choice of technology and physical toys, parents need to adopt a balanced and guided approach. Here are some parenting tips:

• Set usage standards: According to the medical association's recommendations, children under 2 years old should avoid using screen devices; daily screen use for children aged 3 to 5 years old should be strictly limited to less than 1 hour. Parents can discuss usage hours with their children and plan the daily screen time limit in advance.
• Joint participation and interaction: If using an iPad, try to choose educational content and watch or play with your children, and combine the knowledge on the screen with real life. Studies have shown that when adults watch movies with children and guide them to think, the screen can become a learning tool.
• Diverse game arrangements: Reserve fixed screen-free time (such as mealtime and before bedtime) and family outdoor activity time, and encourage children to play with physical toys such as building blocks, educational puzzles or parent-child science games. These activities can cultivate children's hands-on ability and spirit of exploration, and replace some screen entertainment.
• Parents should lead by example: Parents themselves should also reduce the use of mobile phones and tablets, and actively participate in their children's gaming time. Studies have found that when children are given a choice, they tend to choose playing, reading or other interactive activities with their parents rather than looking at screens.

Conclusion

In summary, electronic products such as iPads have certain learning value in themselves, but they cannot completely replace the growth opportunities brought by physical toys. Face-to-face, hands-on experiences are essential to young children's language, cognitive, and emotional development. Combining STEM toys with traditional toys (such as programming kits, building blocks and science experiment sets launched by Kidrise), plus moderate and quality screen use, can allow children to grow up healthily in an environment full of exploration and interaction. By consciously balancing technology and physical play, parents can give their children the richest learning experience and foundation for growth.