Every time I see stuff like this, I always remember the Jurassic Park quote from Jeff Goldblum’s character Dr. Ian Malcolm:
…your scientists were so preoccupied with whether or not they could, they didn’t stop to think if they should.
Dr. Ian Malcolm, Jurassic Park
Newborn-to-Toddler Apptivity™ Seat + Case for iPad®
SOURCE: Fisher-Price
While the world continues to discover “there’s an app for everything” some are concerned with the over-integration of iPad-like technology (especially at such a young age). The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends eliminating all screen time for kids under age two FYI. There’s even a petition asking David Allmark, Executive Vice President of Fisher-Price, to stop selling the Newborn-to-Toddler Apptivity™ Seat for iPad®.
Fisher-Price – the most trusted name in quality toys – has been helping to make childhood special for generations of kids. Their philosophy even states: “We believe in the potential of children and in the importance of a supportive environment in which they can grow, learn, and get the best possible start in life.” I wonder how many of the Fisher-Price designers on this product recall the words of their company founders: “Fisher-Price toys should have intrinsic play value, ingenuity, strong construction, good value and action.” – Herman Fisher, Irving Price, Helen Schelle, 1930.
This Apptivity seat, which sells for $80, has an adjustable three-position seat designed to fit both infants and toddlers (up to 40 pounds). “There are so many awful screen products for babies these days, but the Fisher-Price Newborn-to-Toddler Apptivity™ Seat for iPad® device is the worst yet. It’s a bouncy seat for an infant – with a place for an iPad directly above the baby’s face, blocking his or her view of the rest of the world. And because screens can be mesmerizing and babies are strapped down and “safely” restrained, it encourages parents to leave infants all alone with an iPad. To make matters even worse, Fisher-Price is marketing the Apptivity Seat – and claiming it’s educational – for newborns“
2-In-1 iPotty with Activity Seat for iPad®
SOURCE: CTA Digital
NOTE: The iPotty is an award-winning toy. Members of the Campaign for a Commercial-Free Childhood (CCFC) have selected the iPotty as winner of this year’s TOADY (Toys Oppressive And Destructive to Young children) Award for the Worst Toy of the Year.
“Throughout history, kids have mastered toilet training without touch screens,” said CCFC’s Director, Dr. Susan Linn. “The iPotty is a perfect example of marketers trying to create a need where none exists. In fact, the last thing children need is a screen for every single occasion.”
Of course, imagine what will happen when these kids — who grow up with iPad-like technology embedded in everything — show up to Kindergarten? And you thought attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and attention deficit disorder (ADD) was rampant in children who watched too much television as toddlers?! 