More Toddlers Know How to Play Computer Games than Tie their Shoelaces, says AVG Study

The first part of the study in AVG’s Digital Diaries campaign, released last October, revealed that 9 out of 10 children already have an online presence as early as age two.

The second installment in the series of studies shows that a higher number of two to five-year-olds can play computer games than ride a bike.

In earlier decades, before the advent of the Internet, the development of children, particularly toddlers, were largely measured against their capacity to perform certain skills and abilities.

The said study surveyed 2,200 moms with Internet access from the U.S., Canada, U.K. France, Germany, Italy, Spain, Japan, Australia and New Zealand. These mothers all had kids two to five years old. The respondents were asked to rank their child’s computer and traditional skills depending on their level of proficiency.

Researchers at AVG were shocked to find out that more children knew how to switch on a computer, use a computer mouse or play a computer game than tie their shoelaces or make breakfast by themselves. This comprised an astounding 69% of the toddlers.

Here are some of the findings:
•    “More young children know how to play a computer game (58%) than swim (20%) or ride a bike (52%);”
•    “28% of young children can make a mobile phone call, but only 20% know to dial 911 in case of an emergency;”
•    “69% of children aged 2-5 can operate a computer mouse, but only 11% can tie their own shoelaces”

AVG asked different moms and dads on their views about this study. Here's what the had to say:

How does this make you feel as a parent? Is this a good thing? Should you be worried? We’d love to know what you’re thinking.


Photo from flickr.com

SOURCES:
•    January 19, 2011. “Kids are learning computer skills before like skills” JRSmith.Blog.AVG.com
•    Jen R. January 20, 2011. “Study: Children Excel At Technology Before Traditional Skills” GrowingYourBaby.com