Update: A modified form of this blog entry was published today in New Straits Times newspaper (2 Jun 2011)

Last Saturday was Parents-Teachers Day at my son’s pre-school. While my wife and I were waiting for our turn to see my son’s teacher, I noticed some parents giving their children iPad. One four-year-old child was watching a cartoon video on the iPad, whereas another (perhaps three years old) was playing some educational game.

This is not the first time I have seen young kids (even babies) with iPad. Scenes such as these are becoming more common. I suspect some parents see iPad as a convenient tool to occupy their children’s time and attention. iPad is certainly easy to carry and, from what I have witnessed, kids are captivated by the ease of use and the versatility iPad can show and do (such as games, videos, photos, picture books, and the internet).

However, I am worried. I am aware of the opportunities computers can offer to my son’s learning development. But I am also aware the harm computers can do. And no, I am not talking about the harm from UV radiation coming off the computer screen.