Although technology provides many positive benefits for learning, it also can have several negative impacts on a child’s development.

The United Nations Children’s Fund says studies reveal that technology changes the way children socialize and interact with others.

Chief of Education, Anna Smeby says technology provides a lot of positive opportunities for kids but it should be closely monitored and used appropriately.

“Children do not learn as much from a tablet, from a phone, from a computer as they do from interaction with a person and studies are very clear about that. So the extent to which you as a parent are able to interact with your child then your child will learn much more from you then they will from the phone.”

Smeby says many parents are under the impression that they’re not qualified to teach their children and rely on online programs to do the job.

“The use of technology is associated with children not learning those critical social skills that they need to survive in school and beyond. For children developing very short attention span. And not being able to engage in long term activities.”

Meanwhile, UNICEF says they’re working with the Education Ministry to develop the first animated series called “Bula Kids” which aims at improving early learning and development.