Experts warn parents against allowing children to become computer addicts

Sunday, August 08, 2010 by: Jonathan Benson, staff writer
Tags: children, computer addicts, health news

(NaturalNews) Before the days of computers, children used to spend a lot more time outdoors. But even since computers first became mainstream, the amount of time children spend on them has drastically increased, causing an increase in illness and anti-social behavioral problems. And experts say parents are to blame.

Playing a video game every now and again can be a harmless form of recreation and relaxation. But spending six to eight hours a day, or more, on the computer -- like millions of children now do -- can destroy a person's health. Excessive gaming can not only damage a child's wrists and neck, but it can cause behavioral and attitude problems that ultimately diminish children's ability to learn in the classroom and function in their families and in society.

Experts are urging parents to spend more time with their children talking to them, listening to them and setting strict boundaries for computer use. They say parents should restrict use to a small amount of time per day and, when they do play, require the children to play out in the open rather than alone behind closed doors. Parents must also closely monitor what their children are doing online.

Many parents allow video games to be their children's "babysitter", as they let them play whenever and for however long they wish. Instead of allowing this, experts are urging parents to plan more family activities and to get their children involved in more sports and social activities so they will become well-rounded, healthy and productive individuals.

Sources for this story include:

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/health-10644350