Why printing is important for childrens’ development

Why printing is important for childrens' development

Leanne Hall is an experienced Clinical Psychologist with additional qualifications in health and fitness and has led an impressive career as a therapist and health coach spanning 20 years.

Leanne Hall has worked with Epson Europe on its latest research for its ”Power of Print” campaign. This looks at printing, and the benefits of printed materials and photos have on children’s early education.

For Leanne Hall, printed materials are an integral part of helping to strengthen children’s connections and sense of identity in their early years and can have benefits for teaching too. She explains:

Technology has made many aspects of our lives easier. We have instant access to a whole range of information at the click of a mouse, and many of us can even do our jobs from the comfort of home.

Smartphones in particular have become so much more than a device to send and receive phone calls. For some of us, they contain our whole life including hundreds and thousands of photos capturing countless moments and experiences with loved ones.

 So, with all these digital solutions, why print out materials and photos? And as parents, how can we navigate all of the options and ensure that we are giving our children the best start in life?

Many of us worry about our environmental footprint when it comes to printing and wastage - we all want to be more sustainable. However, relying exclusively on technology can be detrimental to our children’s development in several ways. As such, the key is being intentional about what you print for your children.  

For example, when it comes to reading and writing, printed texts help to increase fine motor skills, creativity and comprehension in ways digital text do not. Research shows that they are linked to improved general academic performance. A page or book is also tangible, as such children remember more because they can re-read passages and flick back over what they have read. For children, having a possession or something they can feel means it’s more valued. It feels important, as it belongs to them. It also gives them something that they too can share with others, a tool to create relational experiences and social bonding.

With regards to photos, printed pictures give children a sense of place and belonging. They also help to preserve memories, as it’s much easier to tell stories and reminisce over printed pictures than a smartphone. We also tend to notice more details on printed photos. While a digital picture gives an instant snapshot, gazing at a printed version allows us to take in more information such as facial expressions and emotional experiences. This helps children feel more connected to the experience as they remember details not only of the actual event, but the feelings and emotions.

Technology is here to stay, and while there are some significant benefits to screen time, as parents it’s important to ensure children have access to a wide range of materials for their academic and social-emotional learning, and in helping to raise them to become well-rounded individuals with a good sense of belonging and increased self-esteem.

With this in mind, here are some ways parents can help reduce screen time for their children:

1. Try and use screen time as a ‘reward’ to look forward to. E.g. after homework, or after completing chores.

2. Set clear expectations and limits, with scheduled ‘screen free’ time for the whole family. This might be meal-times or other times when you can come together as a family.
3. Try and avoid screens in the bedroom. Having devices and screens in the bedroom can interrupt sleep patterns and promote unhealthy habits.
4. Ensure children have enough opportunities to engage with peers face to face through hobbies, sports or other activities.
5. Download an app that limits your child’s screen time.

And lastly, be a good role model. If your children see you limiting your own screen time then they will be much more likely to follow suit. Especially if you can use the opportunity to engage in something fun together.

Epson’s EcoTank printers don’t use cartridges. They come with enough ink for up to three years printing saving you up to 90% on ink costs, and a lot of time, and hassle. So when you have to print, it makes sense to print it on an Epson EcoTank