BFTP: Evolution of babysitting with technology

According to a recent study by market researcher Nielsen, adults commonly use tablets to pacify their children while they are out of the house. 

More than half of adults said their children used a tablet as a form of entertainment while traveling. Two out of five gave their children a tablet to keep them occupied while they were at a restaurant or event. 

Horrible parent skills, one might conclude. But it's not new. Haven't we used technology as a babysitter for a very, very long time?

(Education commentary below.)

1950s - TV (My babysitter)

1970s - Color TV (My daughter's babysitter)

!980s - VCRs (My son's babysitter)

2000s - Computer websites (My first grandson's babysitter)

2010s - Apps (My second grandson's babysitter)

Today - More apps (My third grandson's babysitter)

My thought is that we've used technology as a babysitter in school as well. But has there been an evolution?

Number Munchers 1982 - Apple II

Number Munchers 2012 - iPad

Sigh...

Original post March 9, 2012.