How Young is Too Young
Technology and video games are a big part of today's society, no matter what age you are. I mean, ok, there is a high percent of older people who tend to stay away from computers and debit cards. But, in general, the percent of people who use technology or play video games is higher than the percent who don't. (Again, given we're talking about more advanced countries.)
But, how young is too young to be on the internet or playing video games (whether hand held, computer, or console games)?
I'm 20 years old, near 21, and I can't really remember a time when there wasn't a computer in my home. But, that doesn't mean that I was always on the computer. I remember a childhood of arts and crafts, crayons, books, imagination games, and other activities of the sort. I don't recall really using a computer until I was at least in the 5th grade.
At the same time, I will admit, my parents raised me a pretty sheltered child.
These days, children are allowed to play tons of video games and search the internet as they wish. Some parents don't even use internet restrictions to block off more adult material. It's rather sad in my opinion.
Yes, television and video games are a great way to entertain your younger children while you're busy cleaning, working, or whatever, but what's the limit? When should you turn off the television or computer and paly a game or read to your child?
Are those days over with?
I know children that are 3 and 4 years old who play video games. Personally, I couldn't dream of letting children that young play wrestling or Mortal Combat, but then I'm not the parent to all the little kids in the world.
What do you think? How young is too young to be playing video games and searching the internet?
But, how young is too young to be on the internet or playing video games (whether hand held, computer, or console games)?
I'm 20 years old, near 21, and I can't really remember a time when there wasn't a computer in my home. But, that doesn't mean that I was always on the computer. I remember a childhood of arts and crafts, crayons, books, imagination games, and other activities of the sort. I don't recall really using a computer until I was at least in the 5th grade.
At the same time, I will admit, my parents raised me a pretty sheltered child.
These days, children are allowed to play tons of video games and search the internet as they wish. Some parents don't even use internet restrictions to block off more adult material. It's rather sad in my opinion.
Yes, television and video games are a great way to entertain your younger children while you're busy cleaning, working, or whatever, but what's the limit? When should you turn off the television or computer and paly a game or read to your child?
Are those days over with?
I know children that are 3 and 4 years old who play video games. Personally, I couldn't dream of letting children that young play wrestling or Mortal Combat, but then I'm not the parent to all the little kids in the world.
What do you think? How young is too young to be playing video games and searching the internet?
Whitney
