Despite the varying opinions from a wide array of experts, many parents have their own ways of determining which devices, if any at all, are appropriate for their children.
Based on a survey of 31 parents of children under age 7, 84 percent said that their child (or children) has regular access to new media devices and 75 percent divulged that their child often uses these devices to play educational games. Granted many of the respondents were contacted through social media and digital communications and may be more likely to support such new media habits.
Alphabet, simple math and matching games topped the list for those sought out and provided by parents. Half of the parents and caregivers surveyed said that they choose games based off of recommendations given by other parents and trusted networks such as PBS Kids and Nick Jr. Sixty-five percent said their children have access to new media devices (defined as computers, iPads, iPods or smartphones) in their school or daycare facility.
While nearly all the parents surveyed - 93 percent - agreed that there is positive value in educational gaming, most added that the skills learned through digital media is pointless without the guidance of a caring adult to help the child synthesize new information. One such parent wrote "I think there are many games out there that are educational for young children. Digital gaming can be used as another tool for teaching, so long as it is monitored & used along side other teaching tools."
When directly asked if they have seen their children benefit from digital gaming, many parents - 81 percent - responded that they indeed have. One parent included "my 2-and-a-half-year-old knows almost all his letters as a result of playing StarFall games. He doesn't see it as learning but as playing. My 6-year-old loves to play chess or strategic war games as they are more interactive. He can play alone or against the computer."
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