For starters, "the computer, TV, and video games should be in a public place if that's possible," says Richard Gallagher, PhD, director of special projects at the Institute for Attention Deficit Hyperactivity and Behavior Disorders and assistant professor of child and adolescent psychiatry at New York University Medical Center.
Regardless of equipment location, you should establish an Internet policy and TV rules to lay the groundwork for safe and healthy plugged-in time.
Gallagher says parents should limit the amount of time spent on passive entertainment such as videos, Internet surfing, and TV:
· High school kids should be limited to two to three hours per day.
· Grade-school children should be limited to one hour a day.
These limits don't apply to interactive educational videos or Internet use for school work.
TV Rules and Regulations
When it comes to television supervision, the American Academy of Pediatrics suggests becoming familiar with TV ratings so that you can choose which programs are right for your children as part of your child's TV rules. You can also buy a V-chip, a device that can block programming you don't want kids should be exposed to. Here are some additional TV rules you may want to consider:
· Be a role model by limiting your own time in front of the tube and picking shows that set a positive example.
· Opt out of watching TV if nothing good is on the program schedule. Suggest other activities such as a sport or doing an art project together.
· Use a program guide to plan what your children watch rather than just aimlessly channel surfing.
· Watch along with your kids and talk about the shows and even the commercials. It's an open door to discuss issues about morality, real-world topics, and the underlying purpose of ads, including how they can be misleading. If you see something offensive, tell your kids why you're switching the channel.
An Internet Policy That Works
A whole world of information and entertainment awaits your child on the Internet. From e-mail to Web surfing, children have access to huge amount of content, ranging from good to bad, harmless to inappropriate, even dangerous. For young children, the New York University Child Study Center recommends sitting with them while they're online. Teach them about safety and privacy as part of a family Internet policy.
For older kids, here are few tips for an Internet policy that works:
· Talk about copyright laws and why it's wrong to copy certain materials from the Internet.
· Discuss online activities with your kids just like any other activity, including exactly which sites they visit.
· Don't be shy about looking at your child's e-mail to make sure they stay clear of trouble.
· Don't delay: Discuss pornography vs. healthy sexuality with teens.
· Make up a dummy e-mail address that your child can give out online if prompted to protect her real address from junk and intruders.
· Periodically check out your child's instant messaging contact lists to make sure you're familiar with everyone on it.
· Point out that anything they post online will be there for years and anyone can view it.
· Start a family Web site and allow your children to help. It can include just about anything you can dream about and link it to family and friends.
· Warn them of viruses and spyware to avoid computer infections; arm your computers with reliable protection software.
Video Games in Check
One important reason for limiting the amount of time children spend playing video games is the increase in childhood obesity. The New York University Child Study Center suggests that, just as you might monitor their junk food intake, consider the same for videos and call it an entertainment diet.
Also, try choosing games that reduce isolation by involving two or more players. One way to incorporate more physical activity is to choose games that require playing along with musical instruments or dance pads that have your kids get up to boogie. Then see if they'll let you join in!
Finally, be cautious of online games. New York University reports they can be addictive, plus many have live chat rooms and you should invoke such safety precautions as never giving out personal details that might be seen by predators.
Weekends Only: One Family's Approach
Another tip you might want to consider when it comes to TV rules, Internet policy, and video games is to limit screen time to weekends. "The rule in our family is no video games on weeknights and no TV unless there's a particular show on it that we all like to watch, like American Idol," says Jeanne Accetta, a mom of three kids, ages 8, 11, and 14, in Brooklyn, N.Y. "And computer use is only for schoolwork during the week, or quickly AIMing with friends."
Establishing an Internet policy and TV rules, and choosing video games wisely will help your child to develop a positive appreciation for these types of entertainment and information, while staying safe online and off.