New York, NY | April 3, 2018 – Digital play is sometimes dismissed as empty time that doesn’t engage kids, but experts say there are many benefits to letting kids play in today’s digital playground. The key is to balance screen-based play with traditional play and ensure that digital entertainment is high-quality, as well as parental involvement, according to a panel of child development and digital media experts convened by The Genius of Play during the Consumer Electronics Show (CES) in January. The panel’s findings are included in a new report that’s now available: “Why Play is the Secret Sauce for Raising the Next Generation of Digital Innovators, A Special Report by The Genius of Play.”
“Kids learn and develop crucial skills through all types of play – structured and unstructured, as well as traditional and digital play,” said Ken Seiter, The Toy Association’s executive vice president of marketing communications and the panel’s moderator. “It’s important that parents understand that screen-based or online play does not have to be an all or nothing experience. Our panel of experts was extremely knowledgeable and shared best practices for appropriately fostering kids’ development through digital play.”
The panel, which included Sara DeWitt, vice president of PBS Kids Digital, Dr. Jodi Sherman LeVos, director of child development & learning at Mattel, and emotional dynamics expert Dr. Erik Fisher, explored the evolving nature of play in today’s world and sought to provide parents with guidance on how to incorporate all types of play into a child’s daily routine. The experts’ consensus: when it comes to digital play, experiences that have a clear learning intent combined with parental engagement are paramount.
INSIGHTS FROM THE PANEL:
Implementing this type of interaction at an early age builds on communication skills between parent and child, develops trust, and prepares children for more serious talks about internet safety as they grow.
“Why Play is the Secret Sauce for Raising the Next Generation of Digital Innovators, A Special Report by The Genius of Play” can be downloaded at TheGeniusOfPlay.org.
About The Genius of Play
The Genius of Play is a national movement to raise awareness of play’s vital role in child development, spearheaded by the Toy Association. Deeply rooted in research and facts, The Genius of Play is a leading resource on the physical, cognitive, social, and emotional benefits of play that serve children throughout their lives. The Genius of Play enables today’s busy parents and caretakers to use the power of play to help raise a happier, healthier, and more productive next generation. Visit TheGeniusOfPlay.org for easily accessible play ideas and tips, expert advice and other play resources. It’s More Than Play!
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Contact: Adrienne Appell
The Toy Association
646.520.4863
aappell@toyassociation.org