Kids and Technology - High Tech Babysitters or Educators?

Research into the smartphone and tablet habits of the youngest members of UK families has revealed that seven in ten parents feel their children are brighter because of early exposure to technology.  Nine in ten believe that using gadgets can be educational for their kids, and a third of parents with two or more children said they'd noticed a difference in the development of younger children who have become adept at using new technology.  A quarter of parents report that their children are already far more proficient at using a smartphone and tablet than them and a further three quarters believe that the ability to engage with technology is a crucial part of their child’s development.

The results of the study commissioned by LifeProof, award-winning maker of all-protective, everyday cases for smartphones and tablets, also show that more than half of the 2,000 parents studied allow a child aged three years or younger to use their phone or tablet, with a third of parents remarking that their child is increasingly interested in using technology so they can ‘be like mum and dad’with nearly two thirds of parents saying that their children would choose technology over their usual toys if given the choice.

The average parent hands over a gadget to their kids at least three times a week because they themselves are exhausted and need a break, while six in ten use time on a smartphone or tablet as a way of rewarding their young ones for good behaviour.  While four in ten parents admit that they sometimes use their smartphone or tablet as a high-tech babysitter to keep their kids entertained.

I must admit that Freddy is a regular tablet and smartphone user, and has been since he was around 2 years old.  On car journeys, in supermarkets or in restaurants, it was helpful to keep him entertained and we found that Angry Birds was the app to do it!  Nowadays, we specifically download educational apps so he is learning as he plays.  But I'm glad to say, he still has a healthy love of playing with real toys, running around outside, socialising with friends and hitting things with sticks!!  I think he's got the balance right.

Baroness Floella Benjamin, OBE commented on the research: 

“Gadgets are a part of everyday life and are here to stay – but should be used as part of a child’s creative development along with other stimuli.  There has been much written about the use of gadgets by children, and technology is becoming a vital part of everyday life – but of course, as with everything, should be used by children and teens in moderation. Children shouldn’t be passive when it comes to technology, they need to be in touch with it, and learn to be creative and inventive, because ultimately there are many long-term benefits."

Steve Daverio, MD of LifeProof said: 

“It’s great to see how many parents are using their smartphones and tablets as educational tools for their children - and that even the very youngest members of the family have something to gain from using these devices.  With over half of parents revealing their children use apps better than they can, the study shows a real trend towards children using gadgets as part of their learning and development.”

Inevitably though, the damage toll to gadgets across UK households is high with a fifth of parents having had a phone or tablet broken or screen cracked after handing it to their children.  The average parent has spent £110 fixing gadgets, and has had two electrical devices broken by kids in the last 12 months alone.  The most common cause of damage is items being dropped or having things spilled on them.

My teenagers are actually the worst culprits for breaking gadgets.  We have had an S3 with a cracked screen and an iPhone dropped out of a moving bus in the last few weeks alone.  Ian's iPhone has thankfully been protected with a LifeProof Case, which is water proof, dirt proof, snow proof, shock proof ... and Freddy proof, so his phone has survived remarkably well!  Take a look at this video to see just how kid proof the LifeProof cases make your iPhone 5.

        


LifeProof cases are designed to be slim and sleek, ensuring users have access to all of the functions on their smartphone or tablet.  This means you can take photos underwater, use the device as a recipe book in the kitchen, set up a GPS unit on a bike ride, use fitness apps on the run – or hand your phone or tablet over to the kids without worrying! There’s a case to suit your needs suitable for a multitude of devices. Don't learn the hard way.

For further information on KidProofing your gadgets and to explore the full range of LifeProof cases visit: http://www.lifeproof.com/en/kidproof

Life Proof Your iPhone

If, like us, your pre-schoolers use your iPhone more than you do, then you too will live in fear of a cracked screen, yogurt smeared into the camera or a phone dropped into the loo!  All very possible and probable scenarios.  Even if your kids don't use your iPhone, it is still at risk of being dropped, getting dirty or getting rained on.  There is however a way of protecting your phone from these disasters.

A Lifeproof case is water proof, shock proof, snow proof and dirt proof.  It protects your iPhone from being dropped, getting wet or dirty without affecting its functionality.  The Lifeproof cases come in a range of colours and we were sent a black one to see how well it would make Ian's 4S Freddy-Proof!!

It is important to fit the case correctly and there is an instructional video online showing you exactly how to do it to ensure maximum protection.  The case comes with a microfibre cloth and it is vital that the iPhone is thoroughly cleaned of dirt, dust, grease and fingerprints before fitting.  After it is as clean as possible, the front is pushed into the front half of the case face down.  After inspecting the waterproof seal for dust and dirt, you can then snap the back on, pressing down firmly all the way around.

The case made the phone slightly chunkier, which made it feel more robust.  Ian liked this as he has to carry his phone around all day for work (when 3 year old Freddy isn't using it!) and it often gets bashed around in his laptop bag or pocket.  The touchscreen and camera work well behind their Lifeproof casing, although the sensitivity when playing fast games (like Subway Surfer) using the touchscreen is slightly reduced and needs a firmer touch.

The case claims to make your iPhone water tight to depths of 2m.  This means it can be used as an underwater camera.  You can even take it in the shower with you! We didn't test this out, but can confirm that when Freddy dropped his drink on the phone there was no disaster.  We just wiped it dry...no damage done.  Sticky fingers and biscuit crumbs also caused no harm.

I feel that the Lifephone Case has 'butched' up Ian's iPhone!  It's a little bit more rugged and is happy to venture out where other iPhones fear to go.  It looks cool and has the advantage of being protected against most eventualities.  It is protected against dirt, dust, grime and sand so it can accompany Ian everywhere when doing DIY or gardening jobs.  It's weatherproof so even rain, hail or snow won't be a problem.  I like knowing that we will always be able to use the camera in any weather conditions.

There are other add-ons available so you can attach your Lifeproofed phone to your bike frame, bike helmet, your belt or to your arm (for swimming).  The cases are also available for iPads, iPod touch and of course the iPhone 5.  A worthy investment if you want to keep your valuable gadgets well protected.  It gives you the confidence to take your phone wherever you go, whatever you are doing!

Find out more at www.lifeproof.com