We’ve come a long way from jacks, marbles and stickball. Now kids ask for fewer dolls and trains but instead want kids electronics in the form of the newest video game system, computer games, and even cell phones. Should they be allowed to have all these things? How much is too much? Is the Internet really as dangerous as you’ve heard?
Computers, while they can be used for a variety of things, are great educational tools, as is the Internet. You can’t be naïve, about the dangers—there are predators online and it’s never safe for children to reveal their addresses, for instance—but there’s no point in exaggerating the dangers, either. You can purchase software that blocks objectionable sites and material. And be sure to monitor your child’s activities online, stressing the dangers without overstating them to make them cautious about the things they do on the Internet. Your watchful eye is the best protection, just as it is anywhere.
Computers are also wonderful even without Internet access because of the great educational software available. Of all the kids electronics, computers are probably the most important. They’re a necessary part of life today so a child that’s not allowed to use a computer is going to have a distinct disadvantage. If you’re concerned about your child spending too much time online or on a computer, simply set limits and stick to them.
Video games are big fun for kids (and some adults, too!) but before you know it, your child could have spent an entire day playing them. Video games are a type of kids electronics that require monitoring and limits. Some video games contain graphic sex, violence, language and even drug use, so you need to be sure of the content of the games your child is playing. You can rent popular video games from most video rental stores and try them out yourself before purchasing, or let your child play in front of you so you can see what happens in the game. Games are also rated now, much like movies, to give parents a heads-up on possibly inappropriate content.
Cell phones are now a popular item in kids electronics, even though most adults didn’t have one 10 or 15 years ago. While cell phones offer added security for the kids and peace of mind for you because they can reach you, and they can call for help, almost no matter where they are, they can be a huge distraction. Often, they’re banned from classrooms, but can be used before and after school. If you want your child to have a cell phone, limits are a must. Be sure your child knows it’s for emergencies only, or to be used at appropriate times only, so you won’t get a call from his or her math teacher about in-class text messages and disruptions.
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