Newswise — If video games are at the top of your child's wish list this season, it may be time to lay some healthy ground rules for their use, says Dr. William Zinser, assistant professor of pediatric neurology at the University of Texas Medical Branch at Galveston Children's Hospital.
Research has linked video game playing to behavior problems and even epileptic seizures in some children, Zinser says. Beyond these dangers, the games may keep children from creative activities that are important to their developing minds.
Zinser gives the following tips for parents who want to ensure their children are safe during their next on-screen adventure:
"¢ Not so close: Children should sit at least six feet away from a 19-inch or larger screen and at least two feet from a smaller screen, Zinser says. The tiny, rapidly-flashing lights on the screen can cause seizures in susceptible children. While it is nearly impossible to know whether your child is susceptible, Zinser recommends special caution for children who have ever had febrile seizures—convulsions brought on by fever in infants and small children.
"¢ Leave a light on: The impact of the flashing lights is more pronounced in the dark, so parents should make sure the video game screen is not the only source of light in the room.
"¢ Enforce a "creativity break" : Set a one-hour timer and have children "pause" their game and spend 15 minutes in another activity, such as drawing, coloring or reading a book—not watching television, Zinser says: "What's important is to get them away from the flashing lights of the screen and give them a chance to use their minds creatively."
"¢ Understand the limits of video game ratings: Parents can assume that games rated "E for Everybody" are less violent than those rated "T for Teen." But they should not assume that a teenager is somehow immune to violence, Zinser says: "Studies show that children of any age tended to become 25-30 percent louder, more disruptive or more rebellious after playing violent video games."
"¢ Know what your children are playing: Computer-savvy children can easily download Internet games portraying drug use and violence, Zinser says. Parents should check their children's Internet history and look in on them often when they're playing.
Zinser points out that not all video games are bad—some provide healthy entertainment, and some offer significant educational value. The key is for parents to control the game-playing situation, so that their children who compete on-screen have nothing to lose.
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