Computers

As with studies that reveal potential risks of using computers, many studies that show potential benefits from the use of computers are correlational and cannot demonstrate cause and effect. Others are complicated by having factors other than computer use as potentially being partially responsible for the findings.

There seems to be a correlation between the presence of a computer in a child's home and achievement in school. This evidence is still not strong enough to state categorically that having a computer makes children smarter. Computer use by children can result in gains on a number of developmental stages. For instance appropriate computer use can be related to improvements in nonverbal skills, long-term memory, mathematical skills, language skills, and problem-solving skills. It should be noted that computer use alone does not ensure gains in any of these areas.