Children love spending time on the Internet and playing video games. Completely eliminating computer time and video games from your child's life isn’t a realistic option, but you can decrease the negative impact that they have on your child. Here are a few tips:
- Install software on your computer that will filter your child’s access to the Internet. As an added precaution, regularly check the history on your web browser to view the sites your child is visiting.
- Know the rating of the video games your child plays. Check out the following site: http://www.esrb.org/index-js.jsp
- Do not install video game equipment or allow a computer in your child's bedroom.
- Set limits on how often and how long your child is allowed to play video games and surf the Internet. Consider allowing more time to be earned as a reward for doing well in school or helping out around the house.
- Monitor ALL of your child's media consumption -- video games, television, movies and Internet.
- Take the time to talk to your children about video games and the Internet. Teach them how to make good choices about what they choose to play and view online.
- Get together with other parents to share information and exchange ideas.
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