What is a Smart Speaker?
A smart speaker is a voice command device with an integrated virtual assistant. Smart speakers perform a variety of tasks, such as playing music or answering questions. Additionally you can control other smart devices through your home automation system via smart speakers. Amazon Echo, Google Nest Audio or Apple Homepod, have become a common smart device in homes. However, when it comes to children using smart technologies the debate is ongoing. Here are some of the key advantages and disadvantages to consider.
Advantages of a Smart Speaker
1. Interactive Learning
One of the top benefits of smart speakers for kids is their potential as an interactive learning tool. Children engage in educational activities, asking questions or receiving help with their homework. This fosters curiosity and encourages self-learning. Additionally, smart speakers support children that have concentration difficulties. Children learn the basics and reduce their screen time, as smartphone use is replaced by an interactive speaker.
As part of the interactive learning, educational features help the kids to improve their reading, writing and maths. The Amazon Echo aids kids with pronunciation and spelling. Children can ask the smart speaker to pronounce or spell a word and then they will receive the correct answer. Smart speakers also function as a calculator and children can ask them to solve basic calculations.
2. Developing Tech Skills
In today’s digital age, a good understanding of technology is beneficial. Using smart speakers helps children develop tech skills and familiarises them with artificial intelligence, which could be advantageous in the future. Children learn about the function of a smart speaker easily and gain their first interactions with the online world (internet). Smart speakers act as a good warm-up for children to familiarise themselves with technology before receiving their first highly technological product such as a phone or laptop.
3. Practical Assistance
Smart speakers can provide practical assistance to children, such as setting reminders for tasks, providing weather updates, or playing their favorite songs. This can promote a sense of independence and responsibility. Gaining first-hand experience of becoming independent is helpful for their future lives and prepares them for upcoming responsibilities.
4. No Cameras and an Off-switch on the Smart Speaker
One of the biggest concerns for parents is that footage (visual or audio) may be captured by malicious third parties. Luckily, the majority of smart speakers are camera-free, therefore, there is no risk of the child being recorded. Additionally, smart speakers have the function to switch off the microphone through a mute button, which can be activated when the microphone should not be listening. This gives parents the flexibility, security, and control to ensure that their child is not exposed to any dangerous situations through the smart speaker.
Disadvantages of a Smart Speaker
1. Data Privacy
A significant concern with smart speakers is data privacy. Since the ‘Amazon Alexa Spying Scandal‘, we know that theses devices are always listening and can collect data about your child’s behavior and interests. Subsequently, this information could be used for targeted advertising or, in the worst case, could be accessed by malicious parties.
2. Exposure to Inappropriate Content
Despite parental controls, there’s a risk that children could stumble upon inappropriate content. This could be explicit lyrics in songs, adult-themed humor, or even misinformation. Your child will only be able to access the music available from the account set-up, therefore, monitoring the available sources that your child can access will minimise this threat. Furthermore, smart speakers are far away from perfection, and they still do represent gender stereotypes, which may lead to a gender bias in children.
3. Dependency on Technology
Finally, there’s a risk that children could become overly dependent on smart speakers for information and tasks. This could potentially hinder their problem-solving skills and ability to function without technology. More precisely, it may change children’s ability to interact with humans because they become too familiar with technology and interact less with humans. Children may fall short in developing their social skills, as they only interact with technological devices.
Conclusion
While smart speakers can offer several benefits for children, they also come with significant drawbacks. Parents need to consider these pros and cons carefully. If they decide to allow their children to use smart speakers, they should inform themselves about the different smart speakers which are safe to use for children. Additionally, parents should take steps to ensure their safety and privacy, such as setting up parental controls and teaching them about responsible technology use.
A Quick Guide on how to ensure your kids interact with smart speakers safely:
- Speak to your kids about online safety
- Use parental controls
- Use strong passwords for protection
- Mute the microphones at times when kids are not using the smart speaker
- Always install the latest software for maximum protection
Following the more detailed instructions on how to guide your child to stay safe online will minimise or even eliminate any threat. If theses steps are followed, then smart speakers will be safe to use for children and the benefits of smart technology can clearly help your childs development.
