The Big Three: Too Much Time,
The Wrong Content, Sedentary Lifestyles
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Parent Guide (PDF)
Since the dawn of video games three problems
have raised the eyebrows of parents and experts alike. You’ve probably heard
a lot about them before, but they’re not going away anytime soon, so here
is a quick review:
Too Much Time
Many video games require
a lot of playing time to master. Most kids want to spend more time in front of
video game screens than is healthy. A large body of research shows that too much
screen time is linked to a host of problems including lower school performance.
Some screen time is OK for kids over two years old, but only when it’s balanced
with a variety of other activities.
The Wrong Content: M-Rated Games
and Other Content issues
Some games aren’t meant for kids. Games
rated M are intended for players 17 and older, but because they are interactive
such games can be much more influential than R-rated movies. It’s important
to make sure that your kids are only playing games appropriate for their age in
keeping with your particular family values.
Sedentary Lifestyles:
The Obesity Connection
Lifestyles that include a large amount of media
use (often including video games) have been linked to sedentary lifestyles by
a number of studies. But there’s not reason that video game players can’t
play games, eat healthy foods, and get enough exercise. Make sure your kids don’t
think playing video games is a reason to pig out and turn into a couch potato.
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