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Media Guidelines for Smarter Kids

Think outside the box
Don’t choose games based on the marketing content written on the box – look online for independent reviews or ratings to gauge a game’s learning value.

All in the family
Co-viewing or playing video games with children allows parents to monitor the content and provide contextual cues that boost learning – and have fun!

Expansive reading
When using interactive reading devices with young children, use dialogic reading: ask kids to talk about what they see on the page and ask open-ended questions that connect the content to real life.

Know when to say when
Use common sense to set media limits for toddlers and preschoolers. If kids resist playing outside, shun non-electronic pursuits, and lose interest in other activities they once enjoyed, it may be time to scale back.

Source: Sarah Roseberry, Ph.D., University of Washington, and Seeta Pai, Common Sense Media