How long should a 3yr old be left to play on the computer?

Question

My nephew, in my opinion is becoming addicted to the computer. He just started getting on a month ago. He has some kind of child interation toy, that plugs into the computer. He plays, barney, wiggles, seasame street, and other games. The problem is he stays on for 4 to 5 hours at a time. Cries and throws temper tantrums if you get him off. Now, he plays Nickeleon Jr. and PBS.org games. He also knows how to log off (types his name) and is quickly learning how to log on. He also know some of these websites. He pronounce PBS.org as BS.org. He sees that his 2 sisters were on a lot and his mother is occassionaly, so he thinks this is normal. Just yesteday I offered to take him to the park/playground (which he loves), he declined and wanted to get on the computer. Would you see this as a problem, his mother doesn't think so?

Answer 1

Not your kid, and his Mother "operative word here "that is her decision.

Answer 2

Absolutely!  4-5 hours at a time is way too much!  He should be limited on the time he can play every day to 20-30 minutes a day.  Too much time with any electronic device is not healthy.  I'd have a talk with his mother and show them the responses to this question.

Answer 3

I can't say much, my sons are online for about 3 hours a day now....it's just too hot where we live for them to go outside, and with their cousins running wild (no exaggeration) through the rest of the house, it's the only way to guarantee quiet time in the afternoons!

  If there's an option to go out, turn off the computer, then offer it!

Answer 4

A three year old should not be playing on a computer. What is wrong with a little imagination here.

Giving your kid a computer to play on is just lazy parenting.

Answer 5

Honestly I really don't think a 3 yr old should be on the computer at all but that's me. BUT that being said I would not tell anyone what to do with their child. Because this is your nephew and not your child then you need to realize it's not your business and butt out.

Answer 6

I don't think a 3-year old should be on a computer at all unless an adult is sitting right there with him.  30 minutes should be tops at that age.

Answer 7

Although I use sesameworkshop.org we try to limit it to about 30 minutes a day, and broken up. I put my 2 year old on some of the interactive games if I need to do something like make his lunch over a hot stove, or if I'm trying to put on some makeup to look decent if we're going out.

I personally think your nephew does have a problem. Those games can teach a lot, but there's so much to be learned at the park, playground, through books, going to petting zoos, etc. Unfortunately you can't do much because you're not his mom. Just keep being a cool auntie and offering to take him places. Maybe he'd like to go to water park, or the pool or something. Maybe even ask him where he'd like to go. Anything is better than the computer!!

Answer 8

ive never seen a 3 year old on a computer IN MY LIFE! i personaly DO NOT think its good for that long. instead of doing that she shuld be having him outside playing and interacting with other children. the only good outcome i see is that alteast hes on learning website. the thing that sucks is that its her child you dont have a say only if he is at your house using your computer

Answer 9

I let my 3 year old daughter stay on for an hour or so.  She has her own computer games and she loves it.

I think 4-5 hours is way too long.  If you're watching your nephew, you'll just have to tell him these are the rules in your home.  If your sister or sister-in-law allows that in her house, there  is nothing you can do about it!!!

Answer 10

What I would do is talk to his mother.  Tell her some statistics about sedintary lifestyles and obesity.  No parent should want their child to become unhealthy, so if you can find a time to sit her down and seriously talk about it, I think she would listen.  Tell her about all of the differences you are seeing in him, and ask her to just please listen to you and take you seriously.  Suggest only getting to spend an hour or so on the computer, for the whole family.  If she doesn't listen, try talking to the dad (if there is a dad in the home) or the sisters.  Its not just about spending time on the computer (even though the internet CAN be unsafe), its about being healthy as a family.  And if a mother is letting her children spend so much time on the computer, she is probably not taking the family's health very seriously.  Hope this helps :)

Answer 11

4 - 5 hours at a time is way too long for a 3 year old to be on the computer! I have my 3 year old child on the computer for maybe 1 hour at the most with Hooked on phonics computer games. All the cartoons such as wiggles and barney sound unhealthy for your child. too much tv or tv related junk on the computer. same thing.

Answer 12

yes its not healthy because he's developing a habit. its just like getting addicted to watching the tv. a child that age should not be on the computer for no more then 20-30 mins a day. many health problem can come along with this. like gaining weight from not exercising. also constantly looking at a computer screen can harm a childs vision and mess with their mind computers are just like playstation games. you know how they have those warnings for if you play too long it can result in picture sensitivity seziures?? well the same thing can happen to a child while on the computer