Angel Carbonu, President of the National Association of Graduate Teachers (NAGRAT), has cautioned against the increasing use of digital devices as the primary method of instruction for young children. He stressed that while early exposure to technology is important, it should not come at the cost of critical social and cognitive development.
Carbonu acknowledged the relevance of ICT in education but warned that relying heavily on digital tools at the early childhood stage may hinder the development of essential life skills.
“Introducing children to technology is necessary, but it should not become the core of their learning experience at the foundational level. That kind of reliance should only come at the tertiary stage,” he stated.
Carbonu underscored the importance of human interaction in helping children develop emotional intelligence, communication skills, and the ability to think critically. According to him, these developmental needs cannot be adequately met through screen-based learning alone.
“These children must first learn how to interact with people, build social bonds, and understand their environment through direct experience — not through devices,” he stressed.
His remarks come at a time when digital learning is rapidly being adopted, with many schools incorporating tablets and apps into classrooms, even at the kindergarten level. While some argue that tech-savviness is vital in the modern world, education leaders like Carbonu are urging caution.
He explained that digital tools should serve as a complement — not a replacement — for human-centered learning. “Once children grow and are capable of grasping abstract concepts, technology can then be blended into their learning. But by then, their social foundations are already in place.”
Carbonu concluded by urging education stakeholders to strike a healthy balance between innovation and development. “We’re not against technology,” he said, “but it must be introduced at the right time, with the right purpose, and guided by sound educational priorities.”
