for them. Games that are available on the web are fun, but when the parent gets to do the picking, they can be fun
and educational at the same time. Does your child need math help? Then go ahead and give them a fun math game
that teaches what they need in an easy to get along with manner. This can be done for a number of subjects like
spelling, science, history and language. By giving them a computer game like these, they can make their computer
time, well, worth it in your eyes.
You would be surprised by how many parents simply say, "Yes, you can play on the internet." Many of them do not
know what their child is doing let alone know that he or she is playing an educational game! Yeah right! Most kids are
going to find and play a game that interests them with flashing colors and graphics. That doesn't mean that they won't
like games that don't provide this element. But, the websites they tend to visit are full of advertisements that lure them
in. Your job is to point them in the right direction.
Studies prove that 75% of the internet's 18+ sites are actually visited by under 16yrs of age children. This is not very
shocking if you happen to run a Cyber Cafe. Most Cyber cafe owners have quoted that they make half their money
from these type of children. Advice to Parents : install a nanny program and block a few known explicit sites. Also,
monitor their behaviour.
Now coming towards the gaming front, it is a well known fact that todays 17+ or 18+ games like Grand Theft Auto
series are being played by 13yr olds. There have been reports that students go on a killing spree in real life just like
how GTA and Doom would have let them to in the virtual environment. There is absolutely nothing the shopkeepers
can do. It is said that the game Manhunt, rated 'M' for 17+, has actually been sold to more 13yr olds than to 17yr
olds. After all, they want a few bucks and they don't mind selling mature games to children. Again, it is you, the parent
who has to see which game is right for your child and only then buy it.
So, back to our question; how much is the right amount of time for computer time for your child? Well, inside that
question is the word, "your" and that means that it is at your discretion that you should consider their need. Balance
their day with physical, emotional, pretend and all those other important educational elements then add in a little time
for computer play. Believe it or not, they are building skills that they will need later in life too.
An MC-tek article
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