Get Kids on a Healthy Media Diet for Summer

 

From the Editors of Common Sense Media

June 21, 2007

Q. It's taken exactly one week of summer vacation for my 13-year-old to become a couch potato. I know he needs some downtime, but what can I do to balance his (sometimes questionable) TV, (T-rated)

video games, and (social pipeline) Internet life with real life now that he doesn't always listen to me?

A. Balance doesn't come naturally to kids this age. And the media your son is watching, playing, and using represents a new stage of freedom -- he's hit the teen years and has jumped into a new content category. But there are some things you can do:

His homework might be done, but yours is just starting. Read beyond the ratings for new TV shows, Web sites, and video games. Sometimes you have to actually watch the shows. And you absolutely have to check the Internet histories and browse kids' MySpace pages. If older teens have one, they might not want to give up their password, but you can at least ask them to link to your own page so you can monitor what they're posting. They may not like it, but at least you can guide them about certain real no-nos.

Draw limits around content. Consider a strict no-M-rated-video-games policy. Or a nix on R-rated movies (even if your son's friends have all seen Knocked Up, he'll live) and MTV reality shows. For older teens, try watching alongside or just hovering during viewings and tossing in your own two cents; they'll probably keep watching, but at least you know your messages are getting in there, too.

Make rules, but keep them manageable. Try this one: Nothing that has a button gets pushed until an hour of reading (or a set list of chores) is done. No computer, no games, no TV. Pick your battles, but keep them simple. Set time limits on TV, Internet, and game use. Stick to them. Get a timer if you must.

For the full article and more tips on a healthy summer media diet, visit: http://www.commonsensemedia.org/parent_tips/commonsense_view/index.php?id=243 .