Tablets and children: Knowing where to draw the line

As tablet computers become more common around the house, several experts have warned that parents must be conscious that their children are not overexposed to the devices, which can lead to learning and behavioral problems.

Speaking at the Baby Brains and Video Games panel in New York in March 2012, Children's Technology Review editor Warren Buckleitner notes that, similar to adults, children have become increasingly attracted to tablets during the past two years. Rather than fight this, however, parents are advised to approach the technology with caution, as tablets can be tremendously beneficial if used in moderation.

Rosemarie Truglio of the children's TV production company Sesame Workshop adds that the tablet "maybe fosters some things and dampens others," noting that parents must take a balanced approach to the way their children use the devices.

A study from research firm Nielsen Wire shows that 57 percent of tablet-owning adults say their children use the devices for educational purposes. This is only exceeded by the 77 percent of adults who report their children use tablets to download and play games. Though the educational benefits of tablets are evident, parents must know where to draw the line.