With technology playing such a pivotal role in life in the modern era, it begs the question as to whether children of a young age are being introduced to what the word has to offer too quickly, writes Michelle Henderson.

For many, technological devices such as our mobile phones and tablets are viewed as essential items we simply can’t live without – but that also means more and more youngsters are coming into contact with our devices very early on.

On one hand this can be seen as an extremely beneficial move, as children as young as toddlers are entertained in a way which often involves a high degree of personal interaction.

Thousands of apps and games have been created for kids of all ages, at least partly in an effort to encourage both an early and positive start towards their future educational experience.

Traditionally the more we use something, the more confident and comfortable we become with it, so ultimately if this rings true, by the time children are of the age to go to school, they may already have a basic knowledge of how to work smart devices, giving them more scope to achieve educational aims.

Despite the many benefits, it is still highly debated that such activity at such a young age may not be good for the child, as at this stage their brains are not fully developed.

With bright and vibrant graphics a main element, there is an argument that such elements may not advance children, but hinder their gradual development.

Relating to how we see gadgets and their importance, children may ultimately grow up believing the same, that they are simply irreplaceable in their everyday life.

If they have constantly been surrounded by technology, they will know no other way of researching, interacting or communicating with others. This could have a negative impact in the sense that they will become solely dependent on technology and find it difficult if gadgets were not available.

No matter where we turn, technology is present in one form or another.

Whether its through education itself or simply in so many products that are advertised wherever they look, there is no escaping this part of lie in the modern era.

Even if a parent waits for their child to adapt to the ways of the modern world, they will probably come into contact with technology one way or another. Its the way of the world; its the world in which we live. It’s what we call “the norm”.