Arguments in Favor (Yes, Nursery Pupils Should Use iPads)
In the digital age, introducing iPads to nursery pupils can foster early digital literacy. Children as young as three are capable of navigating touchscreens, and educational apps designed for this age group can enhance their learning through interactive visuals, phonics, counting games, and storytelling.
iPads provide a personalized learning experience, adapting to each child’s pace and style. For children with special needs or speech delays, iPads can offer speech therapy tools and visual aids that traditional methods may lack. Moreover, supervised use can engage young learners more effectively than rote classroom teaching.
Allowing controlled iPad use also prepares children for a future dominated by technology. When integrated with moderation and parental or teacher oversight, iPads can be a powerful early learning tool that complements traditional play-based methods in nursery classrooms.
Arguments Against (No, Nursery Pupils Should Not Use iPads)
Early exposure to screens can harm a child’s development. Health experts warn that prolonged screen time may delay speech, reduce attention span, and contribute to social or behavioral issues in very young children. Nursery pupils need physical interaction, imaginative play, and hands-on activities—not screen-based entertainment.
iPads may also reduce the bond between children and their caregivers or teachers if overused. Instead of face-to-face communication, children may become dependent on screens for stimulation, reducing their social and emotional learning.
Additionally, without strict controls, children may accidentally access inappropriate content or become addicted to digital games. The use of iPads at such a tender age may increase reliance on technology too early, discouraging creativity, group participation, and outdoor play—all of which are essential for early childhood development.
Conclusion
While iPads can offer rich educational benefits to nursery pupils, their use must be approached with caution. The key lies in balance. iPads should supplement, not replace, hands-on learning and personal interaction. With clear usage limits and supervision, they can enhance early education, but without those safeguards, they may cause more harm than good.
