LeapFrog's New "Text & Learn"

I've always had an issue with toys for infants and toddlers that are mini-laptops or video games. In fact, every single time a commercial for one of those objects comes on the TV, I turn to my husband and say,

"We're not getting those for our kids."

In my opinion, the toy industry has now gone too far. LeapFrog unveiled their latest creation at a toy fair in England. It is called the "Text & Learn" and is designed to look like a BlackBerry. Set to hit the U.S. this summer, the toy is supposed to be a supplement for babies who like to play with Mommy's BlackBerry. You know, like a plastic set of keys instead of the real ones? Except, this is educational!

The seemingly harmless little green and white contraption is meant for children ages 3 and up. Its purpose is to teach spelling and computer skills and though it doesn't connect to the Internet, it allows children to text and play games.

While I understand the appeal of giving your child one of these, (babies grabbing BlackBerrys and iPhones and the innate desire to push any sort of button available, especially if it lights up), I still don't see why a three-year-old needs one. Kids can learn the alphabet the traditional way too. You remember? Writing letters down on a piece of paper or Mom reading a book and sounding out the words with you?

But that was the old days. Now Mom has a BlackBerry, little kids have cell phones and use "text speak" in place of real English when speaking and writing, even in school. I have discussed the problems with "text speak" in a previous article and with the arrival of the "Text & Learn," it doesn't look like things are going to get much better.

Really, why does a three-year-old need to learn how to text or become familiar with a phone and how it works? Why can't that wait until they're old enough to use one? Why must children be learning how to use computers and video games at such young ages?

I know it keeps them distracted. I know it's entertaining. But at some point, parents are going to look up after shoving any variety of devices into their kids' hands and realize that they're not kids anymore. . .and they missed it. I don't understand why we continually offer our children these devices that allow them to shut themselves off from other people and spend all their time with computers and electronics.

That's not healthy, especially not for young, young children. At a time when they should be learning their alphabet, numbers, "Mary Had a Little Lamb" and other silly songs, they shouldn't be plugged into a computer, no matter how "educational" it may be. Children should be learning by human interaction.

Toys like this aren't always bad, as long as they're used in moderation. However, the "Text & Learn" definitely crosses a line for me.

Carrie Melago, Texting Made Easy For Your Tot: At Least a New LeapFrog Toy Will Keep 'Em Off Your Cell!, New York Daily News