St. Bartholomew's Episcopal Church

From the mailbag - advice on children and video games from Dr. Charles Fay

Over the past two decades, video and computer games have become dramatically more fast-paced, realistic, and stimulating. Not long after their introduction, I began to suspect that these games had the same addictive potential as drugs, alcohol, and gambling. Today, family therapists and researchers have confirmed my fears. Listed below are some tips for helping your child avoid getting hooked:

* Don't allow your child to have a computer in their room.

* Allow them to play these games no longer than thirty minutes per day.

* If your child becomes sneaky, noncompliant, or defiant about this time limit, remove this privilege.

* Children birth to six should spend no time playing these games, watching videos, or viewing television.

* So-called "educational" games, videos, and shows are no substitute for real-life learning activities, involving movement, problem-solving, and human relationships.