Digital technology has grown remarkably quickly over the past several decades. It has become a prominent part of our daily lives, from our work to our recreation. Now, even the ways that our children play are being influenced by digital technology and the internet, with countless new options and features at their fingertips. Here’s everything you need to know about modern children’s’ toys, the evolution of gaming, and how new technology is innovating play.
Adaptive Learning Games
While educators have been trying to make learning-based games work for years now, they’ve always run into the same problem: the learning materials in these games tend to be rigid, and don’t change to fit the student. In more recent years, though, this has begun to change. Educational games can now use AI algorithms to determine the player’s strengths and weaknesses, providing them with a highly entertaining and educational experience customized to their needs.
Ability to Connect to Faraway Friends
In the past, organizing a hangout with friends was extremely challenging for young children. Between figuring out a time when everyone was available, deciding on an activity, and transporting everyone there, it was simply too difficult for many kids to hang out regularly without substantial help from their parents. With access to online games, though, children can keep in touch and play with their friends from any distance. Now, organizing a hangout is as simple for your child as checking which of their friends are available, deciding on a game to play, and enjoying hours of fun together, no matter where they are.
Evolving Online Safety Features
Of course, as a parent, we can’t blame you for being concerned about online safety when your child is enjoying online games and digital toys almost daily. Not too long ago, we were taught not to interact with online strangers at all, but now it seems like those interactions have become a core part of the online experience. So, how can you keep your children safe in this rapidly shifting digital landscape? Fortunately, many device manufacturers, game developers, and even lawmakers have realized the risk that unfettered internet access presents for young children, and have taken steps to mitigate some of the greater dangers.
For example, many countries now require users of digital services like social media and online games to be at least thirteen years old to create an account. Younger children typically need to have their accounts supervised and managed by a parent or guardian, keeping them safe from the many bad actors on the internet. This applies to any game that allows players to interact, chat with, and message strangers. While it’s not a perfect form of protection, it does put up some additional barriers for your child.
Many kids’ devices and online services also have features built-in for younger users that allow parents to track usage time, activity, and the people that their child is interacting with. This makes it easier for parents to keep track of their children’s online activities and nip any potentially risky situations in the bud before they can become a bigger problem.
Of course, the best way to ensure your child’s safety during their online activity time is to simply teach them the basic principles and best practices of internet safety and digital citizenship. We recommend emphasizing a few basic rules:
- Remember that it’s easy for people to fabricate details about who they are. Just because they say something about themselves doesn’t mean it’s true.
- Don’t post any language, pictures, or videos that you wouldn’t be comfortable showing to your parents.
- Remember that once you post something, it’s there forever. Deleting a post doesn’t necessarily get rid of it.
- Avoid giving out personal information like your name, address, or phone number.
Teaching your child these rules will allow them to safely manage their internet activity. Combined with careful supervision and use of online safety features on devices and games, you can ensure your child will be able to enjoy all the internet has to offer without any of the risk.
Blending Learning and Fun
It’s not hard to convince your kiddos to go play video games. Convincing them to go study their essential school skills like arithmetic and grammar, though? That’s a bit of a tougher battle. In the digital age, however, those two things are increasingly becoming one and the same. Rather than force children to sit through boring lessons and worksheets, many education companies are creating entertaining games that teach kids the essential skills they’ll need to succeed in their classes.
Looking for more great tips, tricks, and products to keep your little ones entertained in the digital age? Come and visit our site at ToysCentral today!