Computers
Many young children are now competent in the use of computers from a young age, including console games such as PlayStation or XBox. Some parents worry about the effects on their children, but studies have shown that computer games, including console games, can develop a range of skills such as hand-eye co-ordination, parallel processing skills (the ability to take in information from a number of sources at once), problem-solving skills and visual skills. Again, moderation is advised, but appropriate use of computers should be encouraged, given how important new technology is going to be in the lives of the current young generation. As they get older, society will rely increasingly on technologies and so the more skills and experience they have with computers from a young age, the better they will be able to navigate these worlds.

Conclusion
The children in the BBC Child of Our Time series undertook a wide range of technological practices, including using websites, chat rooms, watching parents send text messages, playing with electronic toys and using interactive television. Children’s interests in popular culture and media also promoted interest in reading and writing. The children often wanted to read books based on their favourite characters or programmes and used lots of computer games related to these interests, which can enhance learning. Therefore, instead of being viewed in a largely negative light, these findings suggest that children’s media interests can be harnessed in a positive way to foster early language and literacy development and to develop the skills needed for the twenty first century.