Why it's so hard for your kids to turn off the t.v. & the Gameboy

Learn about: Why it's so hard for your kids to turn off the t.v. & the Gameboy from Caroline Knorr,...
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Why it's so hard for your kids to turn off the t.v. & the Gameboy

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Transcription: 
Setting screen limits is something that every parent struggles with; I mean it would be ideal if every piece of media came with a built in timer that shut it off when it is done on or shut it off after, you know, a lot of time that you want your kid to be spending on it, but that just doesn't happen. So we really recommend starting screen limits early, because studies show that screen time only increases as children get older and good habits get established early. It would be ideal if every game and every TV show had a built in timer, you know, that you could set to stop after 15 minutes or 20 minutes whenever you want your child, you know, to stop viewing that piece of media, but that just doesn't happen, so I really recommend that parents set a timer or even teach a child to set a timer, because ultimately, what you really want to do is help your child develop the skills to regulate their own usage. I also really recommend that parents use the tools that are available to them, to build in end points to their child's media viewing, so use your DVR to pre-tape shows and when that show is over, TV time is done.

Learn about: Why it's so hard for your kids to turn off the t.v. & the Gameboy from Caroline Knorr,...

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Caroline Knorr

Parenting Editor, Common Sense Media

As Common Sense Media's parenting editor, Caroline helps parents make sense of what’s going on in their kids' media lives. From games to cell phones to movies and more, if you're wondering "what’s the right age for…?", Caroline can help you make the decision that works best for your family. She has more than 20 years of editorial and creative marketing writing experience and has held senior-level positions at Walmart.com, Walmart stores, Cnet, and Bay Area Parent magazine. She specializes in translating complex information into bite-sized chunks to help families make informed choices about what their kids watch, play, read, and do. And she's the proud mom of a teenage son whose media passions include Star Wars, StarCraft, graphic novels, and the radio program This American Life. 

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Transcription: 
Setting screen limits is something that every parent struggles with; I mean it would be ideal if every piece of media came with a built in timer that shut it off when it is done on or shut it off after, you know, a lot of time that you want your kid to be spending on it, but that just doesn't happen. So we really recommend starting screen limits early, because studies show that screen time only increases as children get older and good habits get established early. It would be ideal if every game and every TV show had a built in timer, you know, that you could set to stop after 15 minutes or 20 minutes whenever you want your child, you know, to stop viewing that piece of media, but that just doesn't happen, so I really recommend that parents set a timer or even teach a child to set a timer, because ultimately, what you really want to do is help your child develop the skills to regulate their own usage. I also really recommend that parents use the tools that are available to them, to build in end points to their child's media viewing, so use your DVR to pre-tape shows and when that show is over, TV time is done.