Publication: Children and Computer Technology

• Behrman, Richard E.

This issue of the journal focuses on children’s growing use
of computer technology both in school and at home. Nearly
every public school now has computers, and over two-thirds
of our nation’s children have computers in their homes as
well. Parents, teachers, and policymakers agree that
children need to become competent computer users to be
prepared for life and work in the twenty-first century. Yet
children’s growing use of computers brings with it both the
promise of enriched learning and the risk of possible
harm.

The articles presented here summarize the knowledge and
research available on how the use of computers affects
children’s development, whether it increases or decreases
the disparities between rich and poor, and whether it can
be used effectively to enhance learning. Evidence suggests
that excessive, unmonitored use of computers can place
children at risk for harmful effects on their physical,
social,and psychological development, and expose them to
inappropriate violent, sexual,or commercial content. To
reduce such risks, children’s computer time should be
limited and their exposure to different types of content
should be supervised. The articles also describe many
promising examples of computer use that give children new
ways to access information, create projects, communicate
with others around the world, and enrich their classroom
learning. Public and private initiatives are needed to
support the efforts of both parents and teachers to ensure
that all of our nation’s children benefit from the positive
uses of technology, and that they are empowered to use
computers effectively, responsibly, and creatively
throughout their lives.