A telling story on PBS Newshour on October 25 about the impacts of media on young children, and of special interest,  the impact of mobile devices – smartphones and iPads – on very young children. How are they engaging, is it good or bad, and is the take-up equal?

The news report was based on a study in the USA by Common Sense Media, a non-profit organization dedicated to improving the lives of kids and families.  Some of the findings include:

Key Trends

Exposure to computers and mobile devices:

• 2-4 year olds: 12% use a computer daily
• 0-8 year olds: 50%  have access to a mobile device

App gap – digital divide

• Lower income families: 14% have downloaded apps
• Higher income families: 47%  have downloaded apps

#1 category of iPhone apps now is for preschoolers. Read more