How Much Time Playing Games is Too Much?

In the past, parents had to worry about their kids spending too much time watching TV.  Now, an even bigger threat has sprung up like a storm: online video games.  According to Pangea Media and YPulse in 2009, 77% of kids 8-15 years old would rather stop watching TV than give up their internet time.  Unlike TV which has a limited selection of programming, the internet  offers a huge range of video games, movies, and other entertainment. It is much harder to regulate what kids access when they are online and what video games they are playing.

Most parents agree that time playing internet video games should be limited.  However, there is no consensus as to how much time playing online games is acceptable.  The disparity inn opinions no doubt has to do with the fact that many of the games online are actually very useful to children.  There are numerous games designed to help kids hone their  math skills, improve vocabulary, type faster, or even develop a sense of self.  Because internet games can be played with multiple people, they can also be very social – something which is especially beneficial for kids living in isolated areas.

While there is no set answer to how much time playing online games is acceptable, there are some signs that your child has exceeded what is healthy for him/her.  The line between a video game addiction and simple enjoyment can often be thin, but if you see that your child is withdrawing from other activities that he formerly enjoyed in order to play video games online, then he may have the start of a problem.  Other signs of a gaming problem include being constantly online, having trouble turning off video games, and being in a bad mood except when playing games online.

Do realize that all children have difficulties turning off an online game.  Not only are the games often very stimulating, but children have different brains than us.  They don’t have the mental capacity to limit themselves until they are in their 20s. Only then does the “off switch” become completely developed.   Parents should not be strict when it comes to telling children to turn off the video games and seeing that they follow through.

Here are some tips to help parents set limits on video game playing:

• Make rules early on and stick to them.  Kids aged 6-9 should not spend more than 60 minutes playing games online daily. Other kids should have their gaming time gradually increased as appropriate.
• Only allow one activity at a time.  If your kids are on the computer, then the TV should be off.
• Homework must be completed before kids are allowed to play video games.
• Offer alternatives to computer games.  Many parents use the computer as a babysitter for their children and this can lead to development problems.  Encourage your children to play outdoors, read books, and play other games – and try to participate in the games with them.