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Research shows that middle school children who have a television or computer in their room sleep less during the school year, watch more TV, play more computer games and surf the net more than their peers who don’t.
COME ON. Don’t tell me this is surprising or actually requires research? I could have told you that.
While avoiding a TV in your kids’ room seems like a no brainer, computers are more tricky, since they are after all used for school as well. But experts seem to agree that the best strategy is to keep the computer in a public space, where you can supervise your child’s use of the computer.
For young kids, it’s also a good idea to install a “web nanny”, although older kids will likely find ways to bypass this type of software. With them, talking about internet safety is far more valuable. It’s also a good idea to discuss internet safety with younger kids. Check out these tips from the FBI.
I WAS surprised however by the study’s findings that middle school kids watch a daily average of almost 3 hours of TV and use their computer for almost 4 hours. That’s 7 daily hours of media - on top of school - this means they do not engage in sports or social activities at all.
That’s just scary. And sad.
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5 Responses
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That is hard info, and based on most of the kids and parents I know, probably accurate. Bummer.
4-7 hours of TV or Computer games is unbelievable. My daughter is doing 80% of her homework on the computer and still no chance she gets close to 4 hours. That said, if kids do watch so much TV, it is primarily our fault as parents. Sometimes it is hard to get away from work but we need to do so and do some stuff with our kids other than TV.
Hi Vered,
My husband and I decided BEFORE kids no TV’s or computers in their rooms. We have stuck to that and no matter how much my son (9) complains he knows THAT is the rule. We have the computers in the family room where we can keep an eye on them and the TV’s are only in the family room and play room so we can watch what they are watching. Why tempt them? We lead by example by no tv in our bedroom as well. Thanks Vered — this is important! Love, Jenny
@ All Rileyed Up: I agree!
@ Yuval: I agree that parents need to be involved and supervise their kids activities.
@ Jenny Mannion: “We lead by example by no tv in our bedroom as well.” I think this is really important and will become even more important as your son grows up.
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