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Children are drawn into the world of mobile apps

From educational to purely fun, more apps are marketed at the pre-kindergarten set. And some parents welcome the new outlet for their children’s energy.

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Maggie Awad, 2, of Falls Church plays with the Icee Maker on an iPod Touch. Maggie's mother, Paula Mansour, says her toddler is comfortable using electronics and has many educational games to choose from.

Melina Mara / The Washington Post

Paula Mansour says she encourages her 2-year-old daughter, Maggie Awad, to play with an iPod Touch and a smartphone.

Paula Mansour says she encourages her 2-year-old daughter, Maggie Awad, to play with an iPod Touch and a smartphone.

Melina Mara / The Washington Post

Maggie Awad is among a generation of children whose parents actively promote their use of electronic media. Some child development experts say exposure at too young an age can have a negative effect.

Maggie Awad is among a generation of children whose parents actively promote their use of electronic media. Some child development experts say exposure at too young an age can have a negative effect.

Melina Mara / The Washington Post

Maggie is allowed to play with educational apps, but her mother monitors how much time she and her 6-year-old sister spend using mobile devices.

Maggie is allowed to play with educational apps, but her mother monitors how much time she and her 6-year-old sister spend using mobile devices.

Melina Mara / The Washington Post

Maggie often plays Kids Doodle and ABC, apps whose creators say they help foster preschool skills.

Maggie often plays Kids Doodle and ABC, apps whose creators say they help foster preschool skills.

Melina Mara / The Washington Post

This Sesame Street game is among those marketed for use on Apple and Google Android devices.

This Sesame Street game is among those marketed for use on Apple and Google Android devices.

/ Courtesy of Apple

BabyPlayFace is designed for the youngest users, encouraging babies to touch the images to change facial expressions and to learn the names of body parts.

BabyPlayFace is designed for the youngest users, encouraging babies to touch the images to change facial expressions and to learn the names of body parts.

/ Courtesy of Apple

A 3-D app for the iPad recites the 'Humpty Dumpty' nursery rhyme.

A 3-D app for the iPad recites the "Humpty Dumpty" nursery rhyme.

/ Courtesy of Apple

Angry Birds is a breakout favorite for children and adults, and it can be played on a variety of mobile devices.

Angry Birds is a breakout favorite for children and adults, and it can be played on a variety of mobile devices.

/ Courtesy of Apple

Doodle Kids is a painting program that generates random colors for on-screen images.

Doodle Kids is a painting program that generates random colors for on-screen images.

/ Courtesy of Apple

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