Healthy Kids
Video games, chat rooms and websites are popular these days,
as computers gain more and more popularity. But as the computer craze
continues, parents face increasing questions about how and when your
child should be using the Internet or Playstation 2.
"It is important for parents to monitor the amount of time their
child spends playing video games, or on the Internet," says Dr. David
Bennett, clinical psychologist, Developmental and Behavioral Sciences
at Children’s Mercy Hospitals and Clinics. "Parents need to shield what
their kids may find on the Internet that may not be appropriate
material."
Even with all of the possible problems with children venturing into
inappropriate Web sites and chat rooms on the internet, the benefits of
computers and video games are positive.
"There are a lot of good things about computers. They can help a
child learn how to read, say their ABCs, even spell their names. They
can also be used as a teaching tool for young children who are learning
numbers and letters," says Dr. Bennett. "The problem is when they are
used in excess."
It is important for parents to make sure the programs their child
plays are age appropriate.
"If a child gets frustrated by the reading on the program or game,
or they cannot complete the task the computer assigns, the game will in
turn not be effective and the child will not learn."
Following are some suggestions Dr. Bennett recommends for parents to
watch for as their child ventures into the world of computers.
- Monitor the time a child spends on the computer. Make sure the
child has other interests and gets involved in other activities that do
not involve the computer.
- Monitor the content of the games the child is playing as well as
the web sites and chat rooms they are visiting.
- Make sure the games and educational programs your child plays are
developmentally appropriate. If a child does not understand the
material displayed, they will not be able to learn what the program is
teaching. It is important for the child to work up to the more
difficult programs as they develop intellectually.
