Toddlers addicted to tablets. Now, whose fault is that?

Trouble viewing this email? Read it online.
April 23, 2013 CNET Community
Toddlers addicted to tablets. Now, whose fault is that? Dear CNET members, I just came across this article by CNET Blog Network contributor Chris Matyszczyk titled: "Toddlers need treatment for iPad addiction?" where he brings up reports that some toddlers are becoming so engrossed with playing on tablets for long periods of time that they are becoming tablet addicts -- never wanting to stop and requiring clinical therapy to rid this obsession! To me that's just crazy! Therapy? Really? OK, I know as adults we all have some obsessions here and there, some more addictive than others. But most of the time, it's our our decision to make, because we are all grown ups, right? But for a toddler to get to that level of addiction, when things are supposedly controlled by their parents, just blows my mind. I can understand parents wanting to keep their kids busy by giving them a tablet to keep them entertained -- and I personally have a couple of tablets that my kids use -- but the big difference is that is we have control over their usage -- when, how long, and what it is used for. I'm a complete believer that everything should be done in moderation. Anything bad or even good for you, if taken to an excessive level, eventually will probably be unhealthy in the long run. But enough of what I think. I want you to read this blog from Chris, and I want you to tell us what you think. Is it just some crazy story? Do you agree this is an addiction or believe these are just toddlers with excessive temper tantrums? Or do you know of an actual child or toddler who has this type of addiction to a tablet or other digital device? Are the parents to blame for these toddlers addictions? Or are you pointing the finger at something else? The mike is in your hand, so speak up! Lee Koo Community manager View profile  |  Email
Here's what some of your fellow members had to say about this week's topic: Toddlers need treatment for iPad addiction?   "You can forget what you learn, but you can never forget what you discover." ;-) I make it a serious case at home when I find my kids choosing to sit in front of the TV, PC or with gadgets more than going out of the house to play. So I push them to play outside, or else they'll be punished..."   Read more     Posted by e_mendz     "This is not an addiction. Not any more than losing television for an adult could be. Their body is not going to suffer any serious repercussions if they suddenly have no tablet. This is on their parents. Don't give a $500 tablet to your toddler. It is not a good idea..."   Read more   Posted by BerlingerTG   "I honestly think that parents need to be really careful with how much they use tablets/smartphones/technology to entertain and occupy their children. I really think that children under the age of shouldn't be playing with tablets very often and that children don't need their own portable and personal internet-connected devices until age 10-13..."   Read more     Posted by andStack     "It's not just tablets though. Parents have been fighting this battle since the TV was invented. Now with so much on-demand Dora, Mickey and pretty much anything else it's so easy for a kid to get a quick fix...."   Read more   Posted by sdf0013   Read all members' responses Speak up What are your thoughts? Weigh in on this week's topic. Click here to post your comments • Netflix plans to change up its family streaming service • Watch out, there's a man wearing Google Glass in your public restroom • Apple profit slips 18%, but iPhone, iPad sales stay strong What do you think is an appropriate age for children to use tablets? (click button to vote) ·  1 to 2 years old ·  3 to 4 years old ·  5 to 6 years old ·  7 to 8 years old ·  9 to 10 years old ·  11 years old and above Click here to Vote and click here to discuss the poll. • Toshiba Satellite U845T: Our favorite laptop of the year so far • Samsung Galaxy S4: Are novel features really enough? • Magellan's Web-connected SmartGPS is a triple threat • Nikon Coolpix P520: An all-around very good package • Denon AH-W150 Exercise Freak: Wireless headphones for workouts

Connect with us on:

The e-mail address for this newsletter is mastermorfeu.1111@blogger.com To update your account, please visit our Newsletter subscription center. Unsubscribe | Newsletter help | Privacy policy Copyright 2013 CBS Interactive Inc. All rights reserved. CBS Interactive, 235 Second Street, San Francisco, CA 94105, U.S.A.