Managing kids' computer time

There is a powerful magnetic force between kids and computers--so powerful that it is often difficult to pry them loose. As parents who remember “the good old days” before computers, when we rode our bikes, did crafts, climbed trees and read books, we spend a lot of time worrying that our children will face consequences if they are on the computer too much. Will they become socially inept? Morbidly obese? Will their eyes weaken at the age of 25? Will they ever create, compose or do anything real, instead of virtual?

How Much Is Too Much?
The camp is divided over how much time children should be allowed to spend on the computer. The American Academy of Pediatrics suggests no more than two hours a day, including TV time, for children of any age. Other studies suggest that three hours a day is closer to how much time children are actually spending playing games, surfing the Internet and chatting with friends. Somewhat ironically, Bill and Melinda Gates limit their 11-year-old daughter to 45 minutes on weekdays and an hour on the weekend.

The reasons cited in favor of reducing or limited time spent in front of a TV or computer are varied, but probably the most compelling is childhood obesity. Recent figures suggest that about 16 percent of children in the US are overweight, a 46 percent increase from just a decade ago. Much of that is blamed on a combination of factors: sedentary activities such as computer play and watching TV, along with a tendency to snack on high-fat, highly processed foods while doing so.

We all should draw our own sensible conclusions about what time allowances work best for us and our kids. Then, each family should have a plan and stick to it. Whether you choose 30 minutes or 3 hours a day, your kids need to understand the rules and live by them.

Set the Timer
If you are a one-laptop household and your children are younger (from 5 to 8 years old) you may be able to start with something simple…like the trusty kitchen timer. Use a portable timer to track computer minutes for each child. If the child is playing a game with a specific beginning and end, you can also let that be the time frame. Some families use a signup sheet, which allows children the control of choosing their own time slot. A simple chart with days running vertically and hours running horizontally with a pen attached should do the trick.

Login Programs
As your children get a little older, a program that actively monitors and restricts over- usage might be a good option. Programs such as ComputerTime help parents set limits on the total amount of time daily that each child can use the computer, as well as how much time per session and the times during the day (divided into weekdays and weekend) he or she can use it. When each child logs on, his or her time is counted and warnings are given at 15 minutes, 10 minutes, five minutes and then one minute before the computer shuts off.

TimesUpKidz is another program that’s easy to set up and use. Set it for a fixed amount of time each day. You can also easily change the settings to allow for extra usage if the situation warrants; the schedule will automatically revert back for the next time. The “parent’s page” looks like a web site, displaying each child’s usage minutes and hours during which they can use the computer. It also tracks actual usage.