Happiness is a habit best learned young they say, and in today's techno-happy world, the same can be said for computing. There's much to gain by introducing kids to technology because like reading, writing and speaking, if started early enough, it guarantees a degree of proficiency to last a lifetime.

However, as more technology manufacturers release products specifically made for kids, it can be difficult to know when you're investing in a product that will serve your child well or simply falling for a marketing ploy.

Then there are health and safety issues. Should a five-year-old be allowed to sit before a computer for hours on end? We decided to get some expert advice and helpful guidelines for parents to consider, to help their children make the most of today's technology.

Motor on
It's now a matter of government policy, through the national curriculum, to expose children to computer technology from a young age. As well as guidance on language, maths and social skills, there are also objectives set for the use of technological equipment.

The Direct Gov website states two key goals of the policy. First that "your child will know about everyday technology and what it is used for". And second, that "your child will learn to move confidently, controlling their body and handling equipment".

The second goal is certainly important, as it builds the foundations upon which children develop their motor skills, particularly when exposed to something as complex as moving a mouse around and relating it to actions on a computer screen.

"It is critical for children at this age to develop mouse proficiency. That is what they have trouble with," says Janet Read, a leading researcher with the University of Lancashire's Child Computer Interaction group (CHICI), which evaluates computing technology aimed at children.

Mouse proficiency is important because a few years down the line, the national curriculum demands a higher standard of its students. At Key Stage 1, children are required to be able to type familiar words on a PC's keyboard. A year later at Key Stage 2, they must type error-free text.

It all begins with familiarity, according to Ms Read's research, and by helping preschoolers develop mouse skills as simple as drag and drop and point and click at home, parents can go a long way towards fostering PC proficiency.

Safety first
Before letting your child run headlong into the information age, there is the issue of health to consider. Pauline Eccles, an ex-preschool teacher, ICT advisory teacher and now a developer of software for children, points out that sitting a child at a desk set up for an adult is not clever.

"Sitting a small child in a big chair with an adult mouse and a screen set so high they are craning their necks is not a good idea," she says. "The same health and safety techniques adults apply to their own computer use should be extended to the child."

The other problem is screen size. We adults like big screens; not so little kids. A child of three's natural viewing distance is about 7in. "Because of that closeness the child's field of vision can be compromised. The other danger is that their proximity to flashing lights can trigger epilepsy in extreme cases," says Ms Read.

Parents need to limit computer time to 15 minutes at a stretch and remember that young eyes need uncomplicated images to settle upon - think Teletubbies rather than games such as Half-Life 2.