Video games and childhood obesity?

Question

I'm concerned about the amount of time my son spends playing video games. I admit I'm more outdoorsy so after 5 minutes it already is on my nerves. Then when I ask him to shut it off he claims he can't because he'll lose all his progress. He says the game won't save until he finishes the level. I usually cave and say, "okay, just finish the level." Is this really true or is he just trying to get more time on the game. Also, how much time is reasonable to play video games everyday?

Answer 1

In some games, this is true. In some other games, the game file automatically saves at each checkpoint, or something to that effect. I would recommend that 1 hour a day on a video games console is reasonable. If it on the weekend, at least 3 hours would be ideal, with breaks of course.

In the end, education comes first so you need to limit the time your son plays his games. Consoles such as the Xbox 360 allow parents to set a time limit on how long their children are able to play their Xbox 360. For example, the parent may only allow their child to play one hour each day. After one hour, the Xbox 360 will automatically shut off, not allowing your child to play anymore for the rest of the day, unless you permit him to do so by entering a passcode on the Xbox 360.

Answer 2

As others said about the levels and savings, depends on the game.

However, you know where the off button is.

A good guideline is collectively two hours 'screen time' - which includes television, video games on consoles, and computer games. Note, this doesn't include homework on the computer.

YOU are in control, he is not. Get him moving!

Answer 3

I'm not sure about the level thing because I hate those mind rotting things.

Yes, if someone spends hours sitting on their duff, they are not burning calories, so they will gain weight. It also depends on what they eat. The mental consequences are a bigger concern IMO.

remember, you are mom. Who cares if he loses progress? It is a GAME and irrelevant. Don't cave if you don't want to. He doesn't have to have them at all unless you want him to.



Reasonable time? I'd say no more than an hour after chores and homework are done.

Answer 4

In most games, you don't have to wait until the end of the level.

Get him a Wii and maybe the Wii fit. Its still video games, but, he wont be sitting on the couch,

Answer 5

In some games is the case.  Have a certain time when he can/can't use the game system and give him a certain amount of time.

Answer 6

It's just a game.  He doesn't have to stick a quarter in the slot to play it.  Kids need to get off the couch and get outside.  Put your foot down and tell him to get him moving.

Answer 7

most games that is true u need to save them, but video games are cool, they are nothing wrong as longs as you go out a bit !

Answer 8

Childhood obesity is blamed foolishly on "videogames". Who pays for those video games? You?

You know what you say to him? I don't care if you will lose your progress. It goes off NOW or you wont play it for a month.

Answer 9

Some games have check points, and some you can only save at the end of a level.

He can pause the game and come back to it later, though.

Why don't you two do stuff together? You play with him for 1/2 hr, then he comes outside with you for 1/2 hr, and then he can get back to him game.  

Answer 10

No, he's just making excuses, be strong and follow through.

I would say 2 hours max.