Sharing this presentation I gave at the Baby Expo Philippines last December 6, 2013. I believe the Internet use and behavior of young children online is heavily influenced by their parents' and siblings' Internet habits. As they use it more, they find their own "voice" or "space" that will become their virtual home, hangout, or even a hideout. If we want young children's Internet habits to change, it needs to start with the parents.

1. +
Digital Media
Habits of
Young
Children
Janette Toral
http://digitalfilipino.com
Facebook: digitalfilipino
Twitter: digitalfilipino

2. +
Disclaimer
n
All photos and insights herein were given by the parents
interviewed.

3. +
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”

4. +
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.

5. +
“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

6. +
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.

7. + 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

8. +
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.

9. +
“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

10. +
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.

11. +
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.

12. +
“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.

13. +
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.

14. +
“Without internet access, kids will
have a hard time catching up on
research assignments given with
just a very limited timeframe.” –
Jehan Chiong

15. +
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)

16. +
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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