The President of the National Association of Graduate Teachers (NAGRAT), Angel Carbonu, has cautioned against the growing trend of using technology as a primary tool for teaching and learning at the early childhood level, warning that it could hinder children’s social and cognitive development.

Speaking on the Citi Breakfast Show on Tuesday, May 13, Carbonu emphasised that while exposing children to technology from an early stage is necessary, it must not become the foundation of their learning process.

“Introducing children to ICT should happen early, but relying on it as the means of instruction should only come at the degree stage,” he said.

According to him, children should be allowed to build real-world social skills, emotional intelligence, and critical thinking through human interactions, rather than having screens and devices become the medium through which they understand the world.

“These children are not supposed to rely on it as a way of getting the job exhibited,” he stressed.

His comments come at a time when many schools in Ghana and beyond are shifting rapidly toward digital learning platforms and device-based instruction, sometimes even at the kindergarten level.

While advocates argue that early tech literacy is essential in preparing children for the digital age, experts like Mr. Carbonu warn of unintended consequences when technology replaces rather than supplement traditional methods of learning.

He explained that children should first develop social connections and interpersonal skills through physical engagement and play before introducing digital tools as support mechanisms later in life.

“When people grow and can understand concepts, then maybe the blend will have to come in. But at that time, you’ve already formed your social relations. You’ve established your contact links, so you’re no longer relying on technology alone,” he explained.

In a rapidly digitising educational space, Carbonu urged policymakers and educators to adopt a balanced approach.

“It’s not about rejecting technology, but about making sure it is introduced at the right time, in the right way, and with the right priorities,” he clarified.

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