March 2010

With the explosion of technology now available, it seems like children are always plugged in, zoned out, or wired for sound. They spend less time outside, have shorter attention spans, and are exposed to online dangers such as pornography. On the positive side, technology has expanded children’s knowledge and opportunities. They learn teamwork, problem-solving, and communication skills. Technology has also boosted activism among today’s young people.

Although children may seem like “experts” when it comes to technology and new media, parents are still responsible for supervising what their kids are exposed to—and for how long. Two keys are moderation and interaction. These tips can help you limit and monitor what your kids see and hear:

Strategically set up your equipment and schedules. Keep televisions out of children’s bedrooms, and place [...more]