Those ‘Educational’ Video Games

No, they don’t make your child smarter

What can children learn from “educational” video games and toy laptop computers? Nothing more than they can learn from simpler—and less expensive—toys and games, says Jarret Patton, M.D., pediatrician at Lehigh Valley Hospital and Health Network. And too much time spent at the monitor can actually hurt your child.

“Video games are solitary and sedentary,” Patton says. “Kids need interaction with others and physical activity every day. Otherwise, their school performance and health may suffer.”

Large amounts of television, movie, computer or video game “screen time” contribute to the alarming increase in childhood obesity, Patton says. Limit your child to no more than one to two hours of total screen time a day. Children under age 2 shouldn’t have any.

But how can you escape the lure of our electronic culture? Patton and his own 12-year-old have found a balance. “We have video games, but Maryana’s more interested in reading or playing basketball or cello—activities we’ve encouraged from an early age,” he says. “When she plays a video game, we play together.” He also suggests:

• Don’t use video games as a babysitter.
• Use the ESRB rating system as a guide, but beware of subtle violence even in games rated “E” for “Everyone.”
• Preview games and read reviews.
• Set a daily screen-time timer, and stick to it.
• Try board games, books, blocks and other toys to develop your child’s fine motor skills and hand-eye coordination.

Want to Know More about violence in children’s TV, how to reduce screen time, healthy gifts for children and media resources for parents? Click here.

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