Boys TownReleases Tips for Parents Purchasing Video Games for their Children this Holiday Season

OMAHA, Neb. – Boys Town offers advice to parents considering purchasing video games for their kids. New video games are being released and the holidays are fast approaching- Boys Town wants to help parents manage video game use in your household this holiday season. Becoming actively involved in the games your kids are playing will help you to monitor your child’s activity.

Here are some reminders for parents when it comes to video games:

1.Police the content in the games. Make sure it is age appropriate for your child by reading the ratings and by actually viewing the games, especially those online.

2.Set limits on the length of time your child can play the games.Once kids start playing for 3 or more hours per day, it can cause impairment when it comes to socializing and being able to function appropriate with the family.

3.Never allow the games to be housed in your child’s room. Keep them in a common space where you can monitor their usage.

4.Actively discuss the games with your child. Open communication with your child is key.

Video games do have benefits, but parents need to diligent about content and the length of time their child is spending in front of a screen. “Games played in moderation, less than one hour, have shown in some limited studies to improve problem solving, even improve or address creativity, improve psycho-social adjustment,” said Dr. Greg Snyder, psychologist at the Boys Town Center for Behavioral Health.

For more information about children and video games visitBoystown.org.

About Boys Town

Nationally, Boys Town has been a beacon of hope for America’s children and families through its life-changing youth care and health care programs for more than 90 years. In 2014, Boys Town’s Integrated Continuum of youth care and health care programs impacted more than 500,000 children and families across America. This includes those who received services from Boys Town’s residential programs as well asthose served by the many varied programs that comprise the Boys Town Integrated Continuum of Child and Family Services, including In-Home Family Services, health care services provided by Boys Town National Research Hospital and the Boys Town National Hotline.

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Media Contact:

Lauren Laferla

402.498.1273