Ask:
I am trying to decide if or how to limit my boys video game playing. Usually I just tell them that is enough and they stop, but sometimes one of them will complain that he did not get a chance to play while the other 2 did. I have tried having them switch players periodically, but it seems like than one boy will ask another for help, thus missing part of his time. I don't know if playing so much video games is really bad for them or not? They are all excellent students, avid readers and active in other activities and sports (all three do wrestling, soccer and taekwando). I am rambeling. Does anyone else have any insight into why it is so bad for my boys to play lots of video games?
Answer:
I have a 15yr. old ds who likes to play video and computer games a lot too. We have gotten to the point that we tell him in advance a time frame. Being that you have 3 that like to play. Tell them that they can play a certain amount of time separately or they can combine their times together for a specific amount of time. I always found that in daycare they liked to combine their times so they pair up alot. Then no one has a reason to complain. Hopefully?!
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I sometimes deal with children who have emotional problems and, for them, excessive video game playing is addictive and escapist. For that reason, their parents are advised to severely limit both video game playing and TV watching - about an hour a day.
If your children are otherwise well adjusted and getting enough exercise, I don't see the harm. I especially like that your kids play together on a video game.
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I've done a fair share of research on this, and the basic premise is that boys are more likely to become addicted to video games than girls. And, to those who become addicted, it causes extreme behavioral problems. That being said, video games do have their benefits -- hand/eye coordination, strategic planning, etc.
I believe that my boys could easily become addicted to video games. They would play every spare minute of the day if we let them. Their eyes glass over and they are oblivious of the world around them. We also notice that they argue more and are less responsible with their household duties (chores, homework, etc.) when we don't limit their time. We limit them to one hour of video games/free internet time per day. They may play alone or together. But, if a controller is in his hand, it is considered his game time whether it's his game or not. Occassionally, we lift the one hour limit and allow free game time.
This is just what has worked well for us.
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Are they active? Getting enough exercise? Are they exercising their minds? Reading and learning? It's all about balance.
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I don't limit at all... the ages of my two kids that play video games are 9 and 12.. (girl & boy). Sometimes they go for weeks without touching any video games, other times, it's all they want. But they both prefer to be running around with their friends most of the time, so it all evens out in the end. I've never had any problems with video games here.. l ike the last poster said, it's all about balance and a lot of times if you give your kids a chance, they'll do it themselves.
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my dd is 5 and her games ae all basically learning games or little nick jr and noggin games so I dont worry about it and I done feel she puts in a excessive amount of time.
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We just got my 7 yr old dd a Nintendo DS for her bday!! and Well she has been on it a lot this week!! (more than she normally would I feel ) since she has been home from shcool and also It has been soo fridged outside!! Plus she just got it !! (bday gift) and who isnt into somethign when its new!! LOL
anyhow That was my worry when I got this game!! but I have noticed she is on then off and then on again!! with active play in between!! so I decied I will just take it from there!!
she only has 1 game and its the nintendogs sheis taking care of the puppies!!
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Here are some "expert" opinions and studies:
Dr. Dobson, Focus on the Family:
About Video Game Addiction:
Dr. Phil:
Boys and Girls Town (parenting.org):
Child Development Institute:
National Institute on Media and the Family:
Texas A&M Prof:
I just thought those with questions might like to see what the experts had to say. HTH