For kids over the age of 6, the American Academy of Pediatrics says no more than 60 minutes on school days and 2 hours on non-school days. Kids under 6 should spend closer to 30 minutes. It’s also appropriate for parents to know and approve the games their kids are playing.
“Screen time” is definitely an outdated concept. Kids study, play video games, use social media and watch videos on screens, but those do not all have the same developmental impact. Psychologists have linked playing video games with developing communication skills, teamwork, and problem solving skills. This is why it is that much more important for parents to be involved in screen time. So many options are available for educational games and applications your child may learn from.
Now the practical advice comes in:
Find an age appropriate game – could be gender based, interest based, favorite topic based. Research the game online even if they suggest a game their friends are playing.
Play with them – most often try to participate along as this will allow you to make sure the game is suitable and that it does not contain inappropriate graphics and violence.
Should it still be considered an incentive or used as a means of reward? Most likely. Children these days are born into the technology, they observe everyone in their surrounding on a daily basis on their devices. This is why they gravitate to the cell phones and remote controllers so early. As with everything else, balance is necessary. Whether this means, a half hour every evening after homework is done and before dinner, or only on weekends, you choose what works for you. You set the clear set of rules and explain it to everyone in your household. Consider having family game nights where you perhaps allow for an amount of time when everyone plays together which also serves to be quality family time.
