On the one hand, too much time spent in front of a
video screen can be harmful to kids. In fact, the American
Academy of Pediatrics recommends that kids
spend no more than two hours per day of total entertainment
time in front of a screen (which includes TV, movies,
and video games). That sedentary time takes away their
precious free time that they could be using to run around
outside, talk and interact with friends or adults, or
even curl up with a good book. Too much time in front
of a TV or video screen can also put a child at risk
for obesity, which can create serious health problems.
Additionally, some studies suggest that violent games
can increase aggressive behavior in kids.
On the other hand, many video games are designed to
be educational and some can help improve a child’s
skills. Some experts say that video games can help kids
learn to follow a complex set of directions, make split-second
decisions, solve problems, and master eye-hand coordination.
Plus, if you find the right game for a youngster, it
could open up a whole new world of interests for them.
If and when you’ve decided that video
games are right for your kids, you should have some
basic ground rules in place. To get started, consider
these guidelines:
Select video games carefully: Read
reviews before you purchase or rent games, and understand
the rating
system. You want to make sure that the
content at all levels of the game is appropriate for
your family.
Play with your kids: Sit down with
your kids and join them as they learn how to play the
game, or watch them enjoy beating you as their skills
improve. Show them that you’re interested in what
they are doing and share their excitement when they
master a skill.
Keep video games out in the open:
Don’t let them play games in their room (especially
not with their door shut). Video games should be played
in a common family room where you know what is going
on and where you can drop in to watch at any time.
Limit the time spent on video games:
Stick to the two-hour limit for all screen time; most
likely this will mean less than two hours for video
games. Consider allowing them to play video games on
one weekday and one weekend day – and always after
homework is done, not before.
Pause means pause: Kids are known
for getting so wrapped up in a video game that they
can’t pay attention to anything else. Make an
agreement with them that if you need to talk to them,
they must pause the game to hear what you have to say.
Limit handheld game time: Handheld
video games can be a lifesaver on long car trips, but
they shouldn’t be a substitute for interacting
with others at gatherings of family or friends. Use
the same set of rules for handheld games that you do
for those in front of the TV, limiting the time and
place where kids can play them.
Time’s up: Make sure your kids
understand that video games are just like any other
game in that they are a privilege, not a right. They
should enjoy the time they get to spend on games, and
when that time is up, give them a chance to enjoy something
else.
|
