Jo Frost, known globally as Supernanny, has issued a stern warning to parents about the dangers of labeling technology as a 'treat' for their children. In a recent social media clip, Frost highlighted a common parenting mistake that she says can lead to chaos in children's development.
The Problem with Tech as a Treat
Frost shared a video on her social media platform stating that few children play outside nowadays. A mother responded, claiming her toddlers play outside and get dirty, and then come inside relaxed. As a treat, she gives them iPads to watch. Frost called this "one of the biggest problems today."
"Because when you see the iPad as a treat, the golden shrine, the one thing that seems like the best overall, your children will see it as that, too," Frost explained. "And what should be the best becomes the boring."
Redefining Normal Childhood Activities
Frost emphasized that being outside should be normal for children. Coming inside and playing board games like Hungry Hippo, coloring, reading stories, and other activities should feel normal. "All of that is the treat. The specialness of childhood," she said. She warned that putting tech on a pedestal undervalues other important aspects of childhood.
According to Frost, parents risk downplaying things that truly make a difference in a child's life, such as learning new words, developing motor skills, and widening creativity. She urged parents to focus on building, bonding, loving, dancing, nursery rhymes, and ensuring children can socialize, rather than placing them behind an iPad.
Encouraging Active Exploration
Frost stated that a toddler's day should be filled with curiosity and exploration of everything around them and the things they actively do. Children should be less sedentary and use much more energy. She concluded with a reminder: "The next time you label tech as a treat, because it's not a tool for some and a time-waster for many and a digital dummy for your kids to keep them pacified instead of satisfied with the life they could be having as norm, remember this message."
Mixed Reactions from Parents
In the comments, one person noted that screen time has been a standard part of childhood since the 1950s, and the medium has changed. They argued that as long as it's a balanced part of a child's life, there is no issue. Another commenter, a 90s kid, said they never had an iPad during childhood and were always outside with friends using imagination and creativity for entertainment. They described it as the "best childhood ever."
