Are any computer games okay for my 7 year old?
November 5, 2009
Q: Are there any good computer games for my 7 year old daughter?
Answered by Dr. Michael Rich, The Mediatrician
Are any computer games okay for my 7 year old?
Can you tell me more about the recommended 1 hour media limit?
October 29, 2009
Q: When we hear that children should not be exposed to more than 1 hour of screen time per day, does that mean that all media are created equal? For example, are watching a movie, watching an age-appropriate TV show, and playing an interactive children’s website game all the same? What are the concerns about and benefits of each?
Answered by Dr. Michael Rich, the Mediatrician
How can we help our teen son manage media so they don’t interfere with his life?
October 12, 2009
Q: Texting, cruising the Internet, and Facebooking are interfering with my son’s academic goals. What facts and tips can you share that will help my wife and me and, ultimately, our son learn to manage media wisely?
Answered by Dr. Michael Rich, The Mediatrician
Is there anything wrong with cutting out electronic media completely?
September 28, 2009
Q: My parents didn’t have a TV in the house when I was growing up and I didn’t get a stereo until I was a teenager. We read and played outside and I didn’t think I was deprived as a kid. It seems like what is out there now, in terms of violence, sex, and taking risks, is far worse than when I was a kid. Is there anything wrong with just cutting out electronic media completely from my kids’ lives?
Answered by Dr. Michael Rich, The Mediatrician
Which computer games are good for my 2 year old?
September 17, 2009
Q: I’ve introduced my 22-month-old son to a computer program designed for babies that makes shapes and plays a sound every time a button is pushed. Lately, I’ve noticed that he is becoming more thoughtful about it. He used to just bang at the keys, but now he pushes one button at a time and watches what happens on the screen. For his birthday, I’ve been looking for an age-appropriate game that involves more thought. I have found a few games that are marked for 2 years and up, but they seem mostly targeted at kids closer to age 3 than 2. Do you have any suggestions?
Answered by Dr. Michael Rich, The Mediatrician
Is there software I can buy to limit my kids’ computer time?
September 10, 2009
Q: I have three sons, ages 8, 5, and 5 (twins) who love to play computer games (Club Penguin, Webkinz, PBS kids.com, and others). I try to limit their screen time to one hour per day, but I know they have been using it for longer than that when they can get away with it. Is there a parent-controlled program I can buy that allows each child to login and have only a limited amount of access per day? Dr. Michael Rich answers this question and others on Ask the Mediatrician.
Does spending time in front of screens really raise kids’ blood pressure?
August 31, 2009
Q: I heard a report on the news that too much time in front of TV or computer screens can raise kids’ blood pressure. Is that just for more action-oriented shows and games? And is even a little screen time a problem for kids’ hearts?
How do Facebook and Twitter affect social skills?
August 24, 2009
Q: We feel “webbed out” of our teenage son’s electronic social life. Are you aware of studies tracking the psychological impact that technologies like Facebook and Twitter have on developing “normal” social skills?
Is it okay for my kids to fall asleep in front of the TV?
August 3, 2009
Q: My children like to watch TV before bed, and they often fall asleep while it’s still on. I have a feeling that that’s not good for them, but I’m not sure why. Can you offer any guidance?
How can I keep my teens safe on the Internet?
May 30, 2009
Q: My teenage children seem to spend all their free time on the Internet, using Facebook, IMing their friends, and watching YouTube videos. How can I make sure that what they are doing is safe?