Screentime Isn't All Bad: Kids@Play Summit Demonstrates Growth of Educational Apps at 2012 International CES

LAS VEGAS, Jan. 12, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- Late last year, the American Academy of Pediatrics gave guidelines for young kids emphasizing that no child under age two should be using a screen device. Despite that, more than 80 percent of the apps within the education section of the iTunes app store are targeted to children ranging in age from toddler to high school, according to a study released today at the Kids@Play Summit, taking place at 2012 International CES.  The study, by the Joan Ganz Cooney Center, details the growth in educational apps and the opportunities for developers.

The study reveals the promise and challenges facing families eager to incorporate technology into their play and learning. They bring much-needed perspectives to the ongoing debate where, too often, only time spent with media is considered, not how that time is spent.

"Even the youngest children can benefit from a great iPad experience," said Robin Raskin, founder, Living in Digital Times, organizers of the Kids@Play Summit.  "When it comes to quality children's media, a screen is not a screen is not a screen."

Highlights of the Joan Ganz Cooney study include:

• In 2009, almost half (47%) of the top selling apps targeted preschool or elementary-aged children.  That number has increased to 72% in 2011;
• The percentage of apps for children has risen in every age category, accompanied by a decrease in apps for adults;
• Apps for toddlers/preschoolers are the most popular age category (58%), and experienced the greatest growth (23%).

Panels at the Kids@Play Summit will look at the bevy of new screen devices catering to young children and the e-book explosion.  Sessions will focus on the opportunities for marketers and developers to create high quality content that brings out the natural inquisitiveness of young kids.   

The Summit's expo is located on the exhibit floor of the North Hall of the Las Vegas Convention Center. The free conference takes place in Room N256 of the LVCC. Follow along at #kidstech.

About Living in Digital Times
Founded in 2008 by tech journalist and consultant Robin Raskin, Living in Digital Times is designed to create a dialogue between companies and key consumer demographics.  

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SOURCE Living in Digital Times