The modern world has become more
and more obsessed with technology and gadgets recently, with most adults now
owning some form of smartphone, as well as a laptop and ereader. This trend
hasn’t passed by the toy industry, as toymakers move their products into the
21st century to appeal to more tech-savvy kids.
Taking over from traditional
dolls, puzzles and games, one of the best selling toys this year being the
LeapFrog LeapPad Explorer Tablet, a very basic version of the iPhone which
allows kids to enjoy copying their adult counterparts which an interactive
device that allows them to learn and play with an excellently designed tablet.
The LeapPad has over 100 games and applications which children can choose from,
each designed to teach them something new and help them develop their skills
easily. The LeapPad also comes equipped with a camera and camcorder, just like
most smartphones and tablets for adults. Considering the LeapPad is designed
for ages 4+, this goes to show just how advanced children are when it comes to
technology these days, 10 years ago most young children would not have been
considered mature enough for a mobile phone, whilst now this complicated and
expensive piece of technology is considered the right way to educate children.
The move into more
technologically advanced toys has come about for a number of reasons. First of
all, children tend to want to mimic what the adults in their lives do on a
daily basis, and where this used to mean toy cars and kitchen sets, now this
means iPhones and laptops. Most adults are constantly plugged into their own
technologies and it is natural for kids to want to follow in their footsteps
and own similar devices which make them feel more adult, and help them develop
into the grown ups they want to be.
Another reason for the change is
simply that technology has become so advanced, so fast, that it seems
ridiculous not to bring these new developments into every aspect of life. The
world is changing fast, and if any sector fails to move with it they fear they
will be left behind. People are wowed by new technology and these products tend
to get the most press and the most buzz about them, so it is natural for the
toys industry to want to jump on the bandwagon and improve their chances for a
best selling toy this year.
Without doubt the toys industry
is changing, but adults shouldn’t overlook the fact that more traditional toys
can still be great for kids, as tablets and computer games don’t give that
tangible feel that kids enjoy. Most kids will still want to be able to run
around and be a little rougher from time to time, so a good mix of
technologically advanced toys and classic dolls or games may be best for a well
rounded learning experience.
