From the article: Limiting Computer Use for Kids
Most of us recognize that we need to limit computer time for our kids. Too much time online or playing games can cut into other activities that are important for their development. But how do you set boundaries and let them know when their time is up? Please share what has (or hasn't) worked for you. Share Your Tips
Using AlaTimer
- We have twins that share one computer. They were obviously fighting for their time on the computer and could never share equally, never mind limit their use. For the past three years we use AlaTimer, a shareware software which allows us to set their maximum usage time by the minute. When their time expires Fredy Flintstone pops up and asks them to save their work and log off, or else Fredy will do it on their behalf. It works very well for the kids and we have peace and quiet too :)
- —tedysh
30 minutes at a time
- I limit computer time to 30 minutes at a time. On school days it's one time a day (not including homework). On weekends and in summer they can have 30 minutes twice a day but not 60 minutes at a time. I let the kids keep track of the time themselves. They use the kitchen timer. If you go over your time without special permission (and the next person waiting will surely tattle if you do) that amount of time comes off your next session. And if you're constantly pestering me for extra time, the likelihood of me saying yes decreases significantly.
- —LaureenBrunelli
Reply
- Mamatech, I don't think you're too strict at all. There are too many things that kids should be doing and if they're on the computer for hours a day, think about all that they're missing out on. They'll get 8 hours a day on a computer when they get "adult jobs". They should be playing for now, outside, and with friends! ;-) (edited)
- —Guest Mark S
Computer time limits for 5-year-old
- Our kindergartner gets about 30 minutes, 3 times a week (at home; there's computer time at school too). She knows when we warn her should could "lose privileges" that computer time is usually the first thing on the list. But the 30 minutes is a little loose -- we always let her finish up what she's in the middle of. I always wonder if we're too strict.
- —mamatech
Chores for Computer Time
- Doing chores to earn computer time can be effective in keeping kids from being on the computer all the time.
- —childrensbooksADM
