Learning Together

 Video gaming is a multibillion dollar industry that has popped up in the lives of many families.  Video games have become the major source of entertainment for many children and adults.   When handled responsibly, video games can be a tool to promote quality family time.   Traditional games like football, basketball, soccer, and baseball promote positive competition, following rules, social skills and healthy lifestyles.  When parents follow a few simple guidelines the same positive benefits can be experienced with video games. 1.       Understand the Video Game Rating System.  The Entertainment Software Rating Board (ESRB) developed a rating system to guide parents in their selection of video games.   The   rating symbol on the front of the game’s box tells the age appropriateness of the game. The content descriptors on the back of the box describe specific elements that earned the game its rating.   Examples of content descriptors are Language, Mild Violence, or Strong Lyrics. 2.       Establish House Rules. Set guidelines with your child for when and where video games should be played.   Physicians recommend that children spend no more than 1 to 2 hours a day with small screen media (TVs, computers, handheld games).  The most effective way for your child to develop the skills developed through gaming is by playing outside with family and friends. 3.       Select appropriate games.  Experts suggest that the best games promote creativity, socialization, and physical activity.  Find multiple player games that your family can enjoy together.   Exergames like Wii Sports and Dance Dance Revolution are great to get your family moving.   There is even a project based in the U.K. that encourages children to create their own video games to share online. Don’t allow video games to invade your family time.   Instead, use them as a tool in your toolbox for making great family memories. What Do You Think?How do you use video games to create family memories?  What are some of your family’s favorite games?  

 Millions of websites can be found on the World Wide Web. Every website  usually fits into one of these categories: Education, Entertainment, Social Sites,  and Shopping.  You decide on the category by the activities the website allows you to complete.    

When helping your child find websites, you must first decide how you want your child to use the internet.  Are you looking for  your child to learn new information? You’ll need an Education site. Do you want your child to have fun? You’re searching for Entertainment sites. Do you want your child to communicate with others?  You’ll need a Social site.  Do you want your child to purchase products online? You’re looking for a Shopping site.

Many sites  fit more than one category.  This is especially true for children’s websites.   Advertisers have learned that children are a great source of information for product development and marketing research.   Several children’s websites will combine entertainment and shopping to grab the interest of young shoppers looking for a little fun.  They’ll offer free fun games, video clips, and popular music but beware of the advertising, marketing surveys, and even requests for personal information. 

Education and Entertainment sites are best for young children.  With the help of internet safety experts, I have come up with 14 questions to ask yourself when judging Education sites. If you can answer yes more than no,  then the website is probably a pretty good choice.   Please visit my webpage by  typing http://www.auburnschools.org/carywoods/rlindsey/internet_safety1.htm and click Fishing for Facts to watch a presentation with the questions. 

What Do You Think?

What questions do you ask yourself about a site before you let your child visit it and what are some of your favorite websites for your children?