Find other Xmas gifts, iPads aren't babysitters

EXPERT warns young children under five shouldn't be over-exposed to gadgets like iPads, iPhones and computers.

CHILDREN as young as four will unwrap iPads, computers and iPods this Christmas but an expert on children and technology warns that though technology can be educational, it should not be used as a babysitter.

Dr Larry Rosen said early introduction to technology had its benefits.

"Co-viewing - using technology together - is an excellent way of connecting with your children and teaching them life lessons that arise from that interaction," he said.

Dr Rosen, an expert in the psychology of technology, said children under five should not be allowed to use any form of technology for more than half an hour and never unsupervised.

"I encourage parents to have their child spending at least five times more time in real world activities than in virtual ones," he said.

"As they grow and develop, that ratio gets tipped in favour of more tech time when they reach their teen years as online interaction becomes more important to their social development."

Charlie Keating, 4, loves using his mum Tanya's iPad, but she's not worried.

"We've never had to restrict him because he's never used it excessively," she said

Tanya bought her iPad for work and Charlie uses it every couple of days or so.

A British survey by Nielsen found preteens wanted an iPad more than any other item, with a computer and iPod Touch close behind.

Australian Toy Association general manager Paul Hodgson said iPads, iPods, Nintendo DS and other gadgets would be in strong demand this year.

"We don't anticipate tech toys will eat into sales of traditional toys," he said.

"We believe these fall into different categories and both will be strong performers this Christmas."