'Technological creep' harming development of vital motor skills

Though able to grow up among some of the most exciting technological advances in recent times, modern children in nurseries are reportedly struggling to carry out simple tasks such as holding a pen due to the increasing reliance on technology at home and in schools.

As reported in the results of a recent survey carried out by daynurseries.co.uk, only one in four parents think mobile devices such as iPads are actually benefiting their children at such an early age, with many experts arguing that the reliance on technology is stopping children from developing the fine motor skills needed to allow them to draw and write.

Davina Ludlow, director of daynurseries.co.uk, said: “Children are increasingly exposed to an overwhelming amount of technology at an early age.

“This poll shows that the majority of people clearly want to see early education and childhood play protected from this technological creep,” she added.

Literacy expert and author Sue Palmer commented: “I think what children really need up to the age of seven is real life in real space and real time, which means three dimensional experiences.

“We already have problems with children not being able to hold a pen or pencil. But we are giving our kids instant gratification all the time with ICT and it makes it harder for them to persevere with something that takes a while to learn.”