Children using Tablets and Computers | Writing for Academic IELTS PDF Download

Discuss whether allowing children to use tablets and computers has more positive or negative impacts.

Here is in the question:
Q. More and more parents are allowing their children to play on computers and tablets as they think that children should learn technology skills. Do the advantages of this development outweigh the disadvantages?

Hint:

• The key part of this question is this part:
  • More and more parents are allowing their children to play on computers and tablets
• Although it mentions why parents are allowing this (they think that children should learn technology skills) you don't have to focus on the issue of technological skills.
• You should mention it as it's in the question, but you can write about any arguments for or against children using computers and tablets.
• This is because you are not discussing whether there are more advantages or disadvantages of learning technology skills via computers and tablets. This is only something some parents think happens so it can't be treated as a fact - it may not actually be the case in your opinion. 
• This essay says:
  • Do the advantages of this development outweigh the disadvantages?
• In this type of essay it is best to discuss both pros and cons. This is because the question suggests there are both. You still though have to say which there are more of. 
• In order to ensure your opinion reflects the structure of your essay, one good way to organise it is with three body paragraphs. You then have two of these focused on the side you support.
• So for example, if you think there are more disadvantages of allowing children to play on computers and tables, then you could organise your essay as follows:
• Opinion: Disadvantages outweigh the Advantages
  • Body 1: Advantage
  • Body 2: Disadvantage
  • Body 3: Disadvantage
• Remember outweigh means more than (literally heavier than)! So in this case, there are more disadvantages than advantages.

Sample Answer

• These days it is common to observe children spending significant amounts of time on electronic devices such as computers and tablets. In my opinion, the drawbacks of allowing children to do this outweigh any advantages. 
• The benefit of this development is that it will keep children occupied. There is no doubt that raising children and taking care of them can be stressful at times for parents so allowing them to play on a device means that the parents can have a break and not have to continuously entertain them. This could potentially mean improved family relationships.
• However, there are several disadvantages. Firstly, children's free time can be better utilised with other activities. Although they may learn some technological skills, they mostly just play games, and in any case computer skills are now taught in school. Of much more benefit is encouraging children to spend their free time interacting with other children, playing with normal toys, and playing other games outside, which will foster their creative, cognitive, and social skills.
• In addition to this there is growing evidence that it can also have negative health impacts. Research reported in the media claims that it can possibly damage the eyes of a child when looking at screens for long periods. Studies also indicate children using these devices may have more difficulty sleeping, something which is crucial for mental development.
• In conclusion, the drawbacks of allowing children to use computers and tablets outweigh the benefits. While it may give parents more time, it could damage their mental and physical development.