Playing with technology: Mother–toddler interaction scores lower during play with electronic toys

To investigate play with electronic toys (battery-operated or digital), 25 mother–toddler (16–24 months old) dyads were videotaped in their homes playing with sets of age-appropriate electronic and non-electronic toys for approximately 10 min each. Parent–child interactions were coded from recorded segments of both of the play conditions using the PICCOLO checklist. Mean scores for each play session were compared and the result showed significantly lower scores in the electronic toy condition for three of the four domains of the PICCOLO. Family demographic and play pattern data were also collected, via self-report questionnaire. These data indicated that the play experiences of toddlers were compromised by the lower quality of parent–child interaction during joint play with electronic toys. The potential impact on early child development and suggestions for future research are discussed.

► Lower quality mother-child play with electronic versus non-electronic toys
► Mothers significantly less responsive to toddlers with electronic toys
► Mothers significantly less instructive with toddlers using electronic toys
► Mothers significantly less encouraging to toddlers with electronic toys
► Mothers believe play is most important for cognitive development