As the Coronavirus swept its way across the world, it disrupted the nature of learning. Governments shut down schools but education had to find a way to go on and in stepped gadget-centric learning methods. However, this form of education ultimately fuels dangerous addictions among kids. 

But as with everything integral in life, education had to find a way to go on and in stepped gadget-centric learning, solutions to swoop in and save the day.

While eLearning has been around for a long time, the pandemic set the stage for the meteoric rise in popularity that we have witnessed today. Remote EdTech platforms have thrived since, but they have opened up a can of worms that parents had already been struggling with way before the pandemic: device addition. 

According to a Common Sense Media Report, over 59% of parents feel that their kids have a device addiction problem. 

While noble in their intentions, eLearning platforms have fanned the flames, continually availing temptation to an overly fragile age group that’s already struggling with self-control. 

So is device-centric learning really the best way to go in light of the alarming rates of device addiction among preschoolers?  

We believe a remote yet device-free learning solution like Vaekke offers a better alternative without any of the risks involved. 

Demerits of Digital Device Usage On Kids

• Increased screen time and eye problems
• Playing addictive Mobile Video Games
• Unregulated usage of social media
• Emotional detachment with Parents

Children’s Engagement with Various Digital Devices 

0-2 Aged Kids Uses

• 35% Tablet
• 49% Mobile
• 44% Computer
• 9% Gaming Device

3-4 Aged Kids Uses

• 64% Tablet
• 62% Mobile
• 21% Computer
• 21% Gaming Device

Digital Device Usage among Kids – What  Do Parents Say?

• 68% say they get distracted while spending time with kids
• 88% believe it helps them learn new things
• 97% of parents say child watches videos on YouTube
• 75% say the platform exposes their child to different cultures
• 70% let children use them so that they could do chores 
• 65% used them to keep their child calm in a public place 
• 58% used them while running errands
• 29% used them to put their child to sleep

 Ways to Determine Preschoolers’ Addiction to Gadgets

• Constantly checking their phones
• Acting out when you take away their gadgets
• Failing initiatives to reduce device usage
• Using gadgets for hours on end
• Developing unexplained eye strain
• Heading straight for their phones when back from an outing

How Parents Limit  Device Usage for their kids

• 86% of parents limited the time of device usage
• 72% of parents use parental controls to restrict usage
• 80% of parents take away their kid’s smartphones as punishment
• 33% of parents track their children’s location

Harmful effects of Gadget on kids

• Affects their mental health
• Drop-in Academic Performance
• Leads to Inappropriate content
• Sleep Disruption
• Risk of Tumors

Youtube Usage Statistics

• Children between age 0-2: 57% & 3 – 4: 81% watch videos
• 80% of children watch youtube videos
• Each day, kids watch videos 35 to 19 times
• 67% of parents say it keeps kids engaged
• 43% of parents say they learn new things
• 27% of parents say they expose them to a different culture

What are the benefits of gadget-free education? 

Gadget free education encourages your kid to explore & be themselves. It also offers: 

• A simple learning environment with everyday home items 
• Creative thinking that teaches real-world, problem-solving skills
• Plenty of socialization opportunities to build interpersonal skills
• Great motivation to learn, thanks to real-world curiosity 
• Excellent motor and cognitive skills development  

How Beneficial is Parent-Child Learning?

• Better communication between parents and  kids
• Emotional availability toward the kid 
• Parents get direct involvement in learning activities
• Increases positive parenting practice
• Improves child’s behavior

What good remote and gadget-free preschool programs are there? 

Vaekke is a proven preschool program you could try. It has successfully helped over 3,000 students in its 25 years of service, and aims to: 

• Help you build an emotional connection with your child
• Set up the proper foundation for higher education & emotional intelligence 
• Tackle gadget addiction with device-free, remote learning  

What features does Vaekke offer preschoolers and parents?  

• 4-5 fun daily activity recommendations like balloon walking, free-hand painting & more  
• EQ-centric learning that nurtures your parent-child bond
• Holistic curriculum focused on Froebel theory, real-world methodology, and Montessori pattern
• Routine feedback on your child’s progress through fun assessments
• Guide photos and videos to help you guide your child’s learning
• A completion certificate that increases chances of admission at good schools
• Goody box every 3 months containing essential learning stationery

To know more information about Vaekke, Make a call to 95261 26222