Parenting Expert John Rosemond on Limiting Computer Use

John Rosemond gives his advice on limiting computer use by children

Q: I know you feel television is bad for children, but what's your opinion of children playing computer games?

A: I don't think computers are as nefarious as television, but I don't think a child should be allowed unlimited access to a computer, which means I don't think children should have computers in their rooms. I've spoken to several computer programmers lately who tell me they don't even have computers in their homes! These folks feel, as I do, that children are prone to becoming obsessed with computer games (and the Internet). Their concerns include the fact that these games require no creativity and are asocial if not anti-social in terms of content. I agree with them; nonetheless, my attitude is moderate. At the very most, I wouldn't let a child play computer games for more than 30 minutes a day. I would not allow any games with violent content, and I most definitely would not allow even a high school age child to "surf the Net" without adult supervision.