Moving beyond screen time: Redefining developmentally appropriate technology use in early childhood education

2014
This 2014 policy brief from the RAND Corporation challenges the traditional emphasis on screen time when discussing the use of technology in early childhood education. The authors argue that a more comprehensive definition of what constitutes developmentally appropriate technology use for young children should take into account the following six considerations: 1) Is it purposefully integrated to support learning? 2) Is the use solitary or taking place with others? 3) Is the activity sedentary or mobile? 4) What are the content and features of the media? 5) Are the device's features age-appropriate? 6) What is the total screen time involved?