How Parents Can Help Children Learn with Technology
- Ivy Kam
- Jan 13
- 3 min read
Updated: Jan 14
Technology is expanding everywhere and so quickly! Children are born with technology—they are the digital natives. For young children, gadgets like phones and tablets often become sources of endless entertainment—games, videos, and cartoons. But what if we told you that these same devices could be powerful tools for learning?
Meet Jasmine, a tech-savvy 6-year-old who amazed us with her ability to use her phone as a learning tool. Whenever she encounters something new, she confidently Googles it, reads about it, and satisfies her curiosity. This didn’t happen by accident. Jasmine’s father believes in guiding her to use technology responsibly, turning it into a tool for growth and discovery.
How Children Can Learn with Technology?
We want children to learn with technology instead of just entertaining themselves with their gadgets. Here are some tips for parents who want to help their kids use technology to learn instead of just consuming content:
1. Choose Educational Apps and Games
Not all screen time is created equal! Explore apps that make learning fun. Look for programs that teach reading, math, science, or problem-solving skills. Platforms like Scholastic’s BookFlix+ offer engaging animated stories and interactive quizzes that encourage kids to learn while having fun.
2. Create a “Tech Learning Time”
Set specific times for using gadgets to learn. For example, designate 15 to 30 minutes daily for exploring educational apps, reading e-books, or watching documentaries. This builds a habit of associating screen time with learning rather than passive entertainment.
3. Teach Research Skills
Show your child how to use search engines safely and effectively. Encourage them to look up answers to questions they have, like Jasmine does. This builds their independence, critical thinking, and problem-solving skills.
4. Model Good Tech Habits
Children learn by watching. If they see you using your phone or tablet to read articles, watch tutorials, or research, they’re more likely to follow suit. Make learning a family activity by exploring topics together online.
5. Set Rules and Boundaries
Rules like “no phones during meals” is a great example of balance. Establish clear guidelines, such as limiting screen time to one hour a day, encouraging breaks to avoid eye strain, and ensuring gadgets are not used before bedtime.
6. Combine Online and Offline Learning
Use technology as a starting point for real-world exploration. For example, if your child watches a video about space, follow up with a trip to a planetarium or a DIY craft project about the solar system. You can also include a balance of reading books and writing by hand (for motor skills development). Scholastic books are a great source of knowledge, covering various topics that are beneficial for children as they expand their knowledge of the world.
7. Encourage Creative Use of Technology
Introduce your child to tools that let them create, such as drawing apps, story-making platforms, or coding programs for kids. These activities go beyond consumption and foster creativity and critical thinking.
8. Monitor and Stay Involved
Regularly check the content your child is consuming. Ask questions about what they’ve learned and engage in discussions. Always ensure that they finish learning the content before jumping to the next one to build up their commitment level and a habit of completing everything they started. Parental involvement makes all the difference in transforming tech time into a meaningful learning experience.
A Balanced Approach to Tech Time
Technology itself isn’t the problem—it’s how we use it. By guiding your child to use gadgets as tools for discovery and creativity, you’re equipping them with skills that will serve them for life.
What’s Your Tech Parenting Tip?
Do you have unique strategies to encourage your child’s learning through technology? Share them in the comments! If you are interested in learning more about Scholastic books for your child, contact us. Join our Acquire Family Club community (click the button below). Let’s inspire more parents to embrace tech as a valuable learning ally.
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