Using a computer every day can have more negative than positive effects on your children.

I tend to agree that young children can be negatively affected by too much time spent on the computer every day.

This

is partly because sitting in front of a screen for too long can be damaging to both the eyes and the physical posture of a young child, regardless of what they are using the computer for.

However

, the main concern is about the type of PC activities that attract children. These are often electronic games that tend to be very intense and rather violent. The player is usually the ‘hero’ of the game and too much exposure can encourage children to be self-centred and insensitive to others. Even when children use a PC for other purposes,

such

as getting information or emailing friends, it is no substitute for human interaction. Spending time with other children and sharing non virtual experiences are an important part of a child's development that cannot be provided by a computer. In spite of

this

, the obvious benefits of PC skills for young children cannot be denied. Their adult world will be changing constantly in terms of technology and the Internet is the key to all the knowledge and information available in the world today.

Therefore

, it is important that children learn at an early age to use the equipment enthusiastically and with confidence as they will need these skills throughout their studies and working lives. I think the main point is to make sure that young children do not overuse computers. Parents must ensure that their children learn to enjoy other kinds of activity and not simply sit at home, learning to live in a virtual world.