Our expert

Dr Julie Coultas - Child Psychology Expert

Dr. Julie Coultas is an evolutionary social psychologist with a particular interest in education. She is a visiting research fellow in the Department of Psychology at the University of Sussex as well as an associate tutor at the university. She has worked on Department for Education and Skills (DfES) and Department for International Development (DfID) projects. Her research and teaching focus on: social learning (including conformity and cooperative behaviour), social development (including play), the emotions (developmental aspects), and gender differences. She is also a freelance consultant most recently providing advice for the BBC television series 'Child in Our Time'.

Julie has three grown-up children of her own, Ashley, Rowan and Holly. When she's not working she loves spending time on the South Downs with her horse, Tally.

Julie's review of SmartVille

'Children of different ages can play together with VTech's SmartVille. Younger children can gain a valuable learning experience whilst playing with older and more able siblings or play partners. The provision of stimulating toys that encourage children to answer questions whilst they play seems a natural and enjoyable way to learn'