Empowering little learners in the digital age with screen time that works for them (and for you!)
Toddlers are more digitally savvy than ever. A Childwise study found that toddlers find it increasingly easy to navigate touchscreens, with 42% able to open apps they want to use on their own, 42% mastering basic functions like volume, and 28% navigating within apps independently.
Videos, games, educational content, and drawing/coloring are some of toddlers’ top activities on these touchscreen devices.
The research suggests that young children aren’t just passive consumers. They’re active users, and many have a keen understanding of digital screens by age three.
This might surprise some, especially those who recall their childhoods filled with picture books and wooden blocks instead of pixels. However, as the digital world continues to evolve, the question isn’t whether toddlers will interact with technology but how they can do so safely and meaningfully.
One tool that’s becoming increasingly popular among parents and educators alike is the touchscreen laptop. This hybrid device offers a tablet’s hands-on experience with a computer’s educational depth.
Should Toddlers Be Using Touchscreen Devices?
This question sparks ongoing debate in parenting circles, and for good reason. The Childwise survey noted that tablets are the primary device preschoolers use, followed by cell phones and laptops, with some children spending more than 10 hours per week collectively on these gadgets.
While some experts caution against too much screen time for very young children, emerging research paints a more nuanced picture, particularly when screen use is intentional, guided, and age-appropriate.
A 2024 study published in SAGE Open notes that digital technologies can be valuable tools in developing toddlers’ language and literacy skills. But here’s the catch: the effectiveness of these technologies depends on the role of caregivers and educators.
Simply handing a toddler a touchscreen isn’t enough. The study explains, “To increase the language and literacy of young children through digital technologies, the role of teachers is central—particularly in guiding young children to digital resources (i.e., applications or software) that are appropriate for their age.”
In other words, a touchscreen laptop isn’t a babysitter. It’s a tool. Like any tool, its success lies in how it’s used. With the right content, encouragement, and structure, toddlers can learn everything from phonics to pattern recognition through digital platforms. But they need adults to help bridge the gap between tech and traditional learning.
Smart Tips for Teaching Toddlers Using a Touchscreen Laptop
So, how do you start incorporating touchscreen laptops as part of your child’s early learning journey? Here are some tried-and-true tips to help you make the most of the experience:
Choose a Kid-Friendly Touchscreen Laptop
Look for touchscreen laptops that are lightweight, durable, and designed with growing users in mind. Devices like the Lenovo IdeaPad 5 or select HP Touch Laptop models are touchscreen laptops that strike a good balance between affordability and performance, since they feature powerful processors.
Aim for a model that will last a few years as your child transitions from tapping icons to typing words.
Leverage Educational Games and Learning Apps
Interactive games can support cognitive development and make screen time feel like play. The best digital games for toddlers challenge their critical thinking and problem-solving skills.
Well-designed ones provide an immersive environment where they can comprehend complex concepts and allow them to connect safely with other players. When looking for educational games, go for simple, visually engaging ones that focus on core skills like colors, numbers, letters, and matching.
Some top-rated examples include Endless Alphabet, Khan Academy Kids, and PBS Kids Games, all of which can run smoothly on touchscreen laptops.
Set a Screen Time Schedule and Stick to It
Screen discipline is key. A recent study in Journal of Children and Media
highlights how time is an oft-studied factor in managing digital media and technology for young children. Predictable screen schedules help toddlers regulate behavior and transition more easily between activities.
Consider using a visual timer or routine chart to help your toddler understand when it’s time to learn, play, or unplug. Experts recommend keeping screen time to one hour or less per day for toddlers aged two to five, especially when it’s not interactive or educational.
Create a Mixed-Media Learning Environment
Don’t rely on the touchscreen laptop alone. According to Child Mind Institute, the real educational value comes when screen time is balanced with real-world activities like storytelling, building blocks, and physical play. Try using the laptop as a springboard. If your child watches a video about animals, follow it up with a hands-on craft or a book on the same subject.
Stay Involved and Co-Engage
Research shows that co-viewing or co-playing strengthens both comprehension and connection. Ask your toddler questions about what they see on the screen, help them navigate tricky levels, or sing along during interactive storytime. As Tech Age Kids explains, children benefit most when adults participate actively in digital experiences.
Taking It One Tap at a Time
Touchscreen laptops are more than flashy tech. When used thoughtfully, they can be powerful learning companions. With the right guidance, these devices can support everything from speech development to problem-solving skills in toddlers.
The key is finding balance: combining digital tools with traditional parenting wisdom, hands-on learning, and a big dose of patience.
So, should toddlers use touchscreen laptops? The answer is: yes, but only if you’re sitting right beside them.
Two Jersey Moms, a pediatric occupational therapist & elementary school teacher, providing fun and simple activities to get your little ones learning through play.