Apps may help kids learn ABCs and 123s

A child using a mobile device in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. Researchers found some evidence that interactive apps helped with math and reading skills, particularly with early building blocks like counting and sounding out simple words. — Reuters

Interactive educational apps may be able to help young children master early academic skills like math and reading, a research review suggests.

The analysis of results from previous studies found that normally-developing kids who use interactive educational apps may be better at recognising and writing numbers and letters. But this didn't appear to hold true for passive screen time, and it also doesn't suggest kids should have unlimited access to smartphones and tablets, the study team notes in Pediatrics.