Young children's Internet of Toys play at home: Status quo and associations with academic performance

Abstract

Contemporary children are growing up with Internet-connected playthings, often referred to as the Internet of Toys (IoToys), which can extend physical play into the virtual realm. Thus, it is important for parents, educators, and policymakers to understand the possible influences that the IoToys might bring to young children's learning and development. The present study examined 730 Chinese children's (5–8 years old) IoToys play at home from three perspectives including the devices for play, the content of play and the time spent on play. It also explored whether associations existed between young children's IoToys play and their academic performance in early primary school. Findings suggest..