CMCH Website Editor, Eric Whitney, worked with GLBT youth to produce 2 public service announcements.

Brandy King, Information Specialist at CMCH, was recognized for her work on the Smart Search feature of the CMCH Database of Literature.



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Good Housekeeping asked leading experts “How much is too much?” when it comes to TV, video games, and computers.


Here are some of their questions and answers:

How much time do kids spend in front of screen media? “An average of five hours and 42 minutes a day.”

Is there any proof this is bad for them? “Yes, and it’s very convincing. Heavy TV viewing and video games have been linked to obesity,
attention-deficit problems, aggressive behavior, and poor performance in school.”

So how much screen time is OK for young kids? “TV’s and computers are not considered useful learning tools for kids under two,
according to the American Academy of Pediatrics. Parents should try to limit their toddlers’ screen time as much as possible.”

What about older children? “The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends limiting recreational screen time to
one to two hours per day.”

How can I get my kids to cut back on their own? 1 – Encourage alternatives like playing outside, drawing, or playing board games. If these substitutes are
engaging and interesting, kids will kick the TV habit. 2 – Set up routines by making sure free time is structured with homework, sports, or chores. 3 – Pick specific TV shows instead
of allowing kids to watch TV for a certain amount of time. Ask kids what shows they really want to watch and keep viewing to those programs.

Real parents’ suggestions:

Have kids “earn” screen time by awarding a half hour of TV time for a half hour spent reading.

Do something together – engage in an activity with your child like riding a bike or cooking a meal.

Make TV time a family activity. If your kids can only watch when you’re there too, it will be a treat for everyone.

Dr. Michael Rich
, Director of CMCH, says the most important use of a child’s time is being with other people. “Online time does nothing to enhance another
key part of growing up: learning how to relate to others and build relationships.”