A Childhood Unplugged:
Evaluating the Advantages of an Early Childhood Without Screens
Presv. Ana Coman, Ph.D.
Saint Kosmas Conference
California
November 2019
Technology is integrated in numerous ways into classrooms, museums, and other educational environments. There is a dizzying array of choice for educational device content including academic, music, and movement. Practically, parents often give a young child a device for educational purposes while they attend to other children or get other work done. We have all heard the admonishments to “limit screen time” for young children. But what does it mean to limit? Who is considered a young child? What is the real science behind this recommendation? We often think of technology as a neutral tool that we can use for our purposes. But is it really neutral? In this talk, we will explore the use of screens from a child development point of view. We will discuss our goals of raising children as parents, educators and Orthodox Christians, and what role technology can and should play in reaching these goals.