Children and technology have a close relationship. Video game players, cell phones, ipods, DVD players, and computers are among the hi-tech gadgets and gizmos that many kids and teens own. Tech items help young people have fun, learn new skills, and stay in touch with family and friends.

More than ever before, technology influences young people—how they communicate, how they learn, and how they spend their time. But do you have any rules in your family about the use of technology? Think they’re not needed? Think again. Helping your kids to use technology smartly and safely is about setting limits regarding how they use their tech items.

Some “screen time” can be good for children. In fact, technology has many positive effects on kids and families. For example, computer and video games can give children practice following directions and solving problems; it can help kids refine fine motor and spatial skills. Plus, when children and parents play games together, they have an opportunity to have fun and talk with each other.
However, too much time with technology can negatively affect a child’s health. How?

1. Obesity—Children who watch more than 3 hours of television a day are 50 percent more likely to be obese than kids who watch fewer than 2 hours. Researchers conclude that "more than 60 percent of overweight incidents can be linked to excess TV viewing."2
2. Aggression—Playing violent video games may be related to aggressive behavior.

3. Lower grades—Too much time on the computer or playing video games can lead to children not keeping up with schoolwork and falling asleep in class. When youth do poorly in school, they’re at risk for substance abuse and other problems.

It’s important that parents create a healthy balance for children when it comes to using technology. This means setting rules about when kids can use their tech item, how long they can use it, and just how they’re going to use it.

When Can I Use My…?

Good use of technology is about timing—when it’s OK for kids to use their tech tools and when it’s not. Think about your family’s priorities and then talk about how they line up with technology use.
Together, come up with a plan for when everyone can use his or her technology items. For example, if family mealtime is a priority for your family, declare that dinner is “tech-free time.” Turn off the TV, your cell phones, and all other tech devices.

It’s important for adults to set an example. During your family’s “tech-free time,” turn off your cell phones and wireless handhelds. By taking this step, you’re sending a message to your family that they matter and that you want to set aside time just for them.

Model good time management skills. After all, you don’t have to answer every call or respond to every e-mail at the moment it comes in. Let your kids know that you respond to calls and e-mails later—and that it’s okay to do so. You’ll help your children learn how to manage their time.

For certain tech items, such as the Internet, make sure that a parent or other adult is home to monitor kids’ usage. Many tech devices—from the World Wide Web to new televisions—offer parent controls. Use these tools, but remember that no program is as good as a watchful adult!

How Long Can I Use My…?

Set limits about how long your child can use a tech device. Consider factors such as your child’s age, maturity, skill level, and daily schedule. It usually is best to start with short time periods and extend them after your child shows you that she can use a tech device responsibly.

For example, you might let your 10-year-old log onto instant messaging for 30 minutes after dinner if his homework is done. Your 13-year-old might get to log on earlier and for a longer time period.
What Am I Allowed To Do With My…?
Before you buy an item, ask your child about why he wants it and what he hopes to do with it. Use this conversation to make sure that you and your child have the same plans for the technology item. Children and parents often want the same tech device, but they have different plans about how to use it.

For example, many kids want a cell phone so they can call their friends and send text messages while parents think that a cell phone is good for kids to have in an emergency. Or, parents sometimes think that the latest computer will help a child with school assignments, while the child is thinking about how many songs he can put on the hard drive or how he can text message his way through a test.
Look for ways to compromise when you can. For example, maybe your child can use the cell phone to call his friends on the weekend when your calling plan offers free minutes. And maybe he can keep up to 25 songs on the hard drive at any one time.

Be Prepared

Technology items can be fun for kids and can help them to build new skills, but children need to use tech items in moderation so that they have time to explore other interests. Talk with your child and set rules together about technology use. Be prepared for your child to complain about limits at the beginning, but remember that rules such as these help protect children and will help ensure that they use tech items wisely.

Sources

Additional Resources

National Institute on Media and the Family

Center for Children and Technology


Net Family News

Safekids.com

Staysafe.org

Conversation Starters

If you could own any technology item, what would it be? Why? What would it help you do?


If you could invent a new tech item, what would it be? What would it do? How would it help people?

What do you think my concerns are for your use of this technology?