In an effort to better understand the growing phenomenon of Internet Addiction I will be holding a parenting group on the topic of setting limits for video game misuse.
Research has shown that household rules about how, when and how much children and teens can use media are effective in reducing media time. In households that have such rules, tweens and teens spend an average of three fewer hours engaged in media. Only a third of all households have such rules, however making this an area where parents could perhaps do more to reduce the ill effects of media use on children and teens.
The American Academy of Pediatrics has recommendations for parents:
- Limit children’s total media time to no more than one to two hours of quality programming per day.
- Remove television sets from children’s bedrooms.
- Discourage television viewing for children younger than two years, and encourage more interactive activities that will promote brain development, such as talking, playing, singing, and reading together.
- Monitor the shows children and adolescents are viewing. Most programs should be informational, educational and nonviolent.
Click here for EVENT INFORMATION: Flyer
Unplugged: Parenting In A Digital Age – Tuesday May 7, from 7 to 9 p.m. in the group room at the Yonge Lawrence Centre for Counselling and Consulting. There is a 20$ fee for this group and participants must send an e-mail to [email protected] reserve their spot. Space is limited to 15 people.
