Game Over: What to Do When Technology Takes Over Quality Time

A family vacation is right around the corner, and Mom and Dad are excited for the opportunity to do some of the things they don't typically get to enjoy: fishing, spending time on a boat and experiencing nature first-hand. When they arrive, their fifteen-year-old son has other vacation plans - he brings his Game Boy with him on the trip.

The boy refuses to go fishing and spends most of his vacation inside the cabin playing video games. His parents are disappointed but don't know how to handle the situation.

This story reminds us that just as parents teach kids, kids teach parents. This particular child taught his parents that playing video games is top priority over their plans. He set the line and did not allow them to cross it. For the entire trip, his wants overwhelmed what his parents wanted to do.

Issues like these are familiar to many families, and raise their concern. On average, kids spend 35-40 hours a week with TV, movies, video and computer games and videotapes; these distractions isolate them and immerse them in sex, violence and materialism. We must realize that video games and TV are not surrogates for a parent, and that there are actions families can take to make things better.

• Make sure you really know what your child is reading, watching and listening to.
• Set clear media viewing rules for your child.
• Use available technology to block objectionable media from entering your home.
• Help your child be media aware, and put media content into an appropriate context.
• Encourage your child to enjoy healthy entertainment and activity alternatives.

Although you can't control the larger cultural environment, you can create an "oasis" for your children in your own home. Television sets, stereos, VCRs, CD and DVD players and computers all come with "off" buttons. Don't be afraid to push them! Turn down the volume of pop culture by creating quiet zones and quiet times in your home when family members have time to read, play, think and converse. This will encourage your kids to develop other resources and skills when they can't rely entirely on the media to keep them entertained.

From: Who's Raising Your Child? , by Laura J. Buddernberg and Kathleen M. Mcgee

Available through the Boys Town Press: www.boystownpress.org