How much time should children spend on the computer?

[Rubia Warren]

I didn't post a poll, because children vary in age, and also not all children get on the internet, but use programs and games to learn or play.
But what do you think? How much time should kids, especially ones preteen and younger spend using a computer? Should it be very limited, like tv (not because of content, but because of the amount of time vegetating in front of the tv)?
Is it bad for kids to spend a lot of time on the computer?

[Esther]

In answer to your first question, it really depends on the kid and also what their purpose is for using it.

If it's for entertainment, I try to limit my kids to one level or skirmish. Much more than that and they turn into irritable monsters. I've noticed they tend to be less creative, lazy and ... well, just plain grouchy when they've been playing a game on the computer for too long.

If it's for educational purposes, I try to keep them moving right along through whatever it is they're working on and get them on to something physical. The time allowed would depend on what it is they're working on. Some things can be worked through more quickly than others.

My 10 year old has several subjects he does on the computer. He'd sit there and stare at the screen for four hours if I let him. I sit with him and help him work through the concept at hand and get him off there or else his brain turns to mush.

This week is different than usual. For the last couple of weeks someone has been sick and we've been stuck at home so the others have played a lot of computer and Xbox games. Talk about Zombieville! My husband and I decided this week would be electronic game free. So far it's going great! The kids have pulled out some board games and played them on their own - the big two have even helped the 5 year old play - and my husband has resumed teaching them chess. We're having so much more fun that I wish the computers and tvs would self-destruct before next Sunday. :smile:

This is how things tend to work at our house. It may be completely different at yours.

[Rubia Warren]

I have noticed that, too.... my kids are ages 6,5 and 3 and I got them a bunch of educational games for the comp to teach them math and stuff like that...... but they will literally stay there all day and all night if I don't pry them off of it! They stare, all big-eyed, mouse in hand, like little zombies. It's freaky. I started out giving each of them 20 minutes a day, but it seemed like a short time, but now I let them have waaaaaaay too much time. I don't really know for sure where the balance should be.

[Stephen]

:whistle: I'm a good boy I am

[Queen]

Not as much as me.... :lol: :wink:

LOLAS,
Queen

[mossrose]

That is EXACTLY what I was going to say, Queen!!

[Stephen]

Lets see....

How about 2 hours a day...so...

17/2 =8.5

1/8.5= 11.7%

So there you have it. For a good child my age, he/she must be online a maximum of 11.7% as much as I am.

Meaning, for every hour that I am online, they should be allowed 7 minutes and 1.2 seconds.

So every minute that I am online, allow them 7.02 seconds.
Any questions?