Issue link: http://cp.revolio.com/i/139497
TV, Smartphones, Tablets Do You Know What Your Kids Are Watching? by Jennifer L.W. Fink Thanks to the internet, today's kids can watch Dr. Martin Luther King deliver his "I Have a Dream Speech." They can watch Jimmi Hendrix play "The Star Spangled Banner" at Woodstock. They can see Elmo duet with Michael Buble. Or they can stumble down the rabbit hole of unsavory content in just a few clicks. That's why it's important for parents to monitor kids' media consumption, says Dr. Amy Pierce, a pediatrician at Cherry Creek Pediatrics. "We encourage parents to keep careful track of what their kids are watching," Pierce says. "Content really does matter. Violence and sexuality, for instance, aren't appropriate for children at certain ages." Responsible parents can direct their kids toward child-friendly TV shows and websites instead. "Encourage your kids to watch more enriching, educational shows and to play learning games, instead of just watching cartoons and playing games that are more entertainment than anything else," Pierce says. Saturday June 22, 2013 8:30 am Setting a Good Example City Park Denver, CO Professionally Timed 5K • 1 Mile Fun Run/Walk Undy Costume Contest PRESENTED BY THE MAKER OF $5 OFF code "HEALTH" BENEFITING REGISTER NOW www.undy5000.org 54 Denver_H&Wad.indd 1 4/25/13 11:25 AM It's also important to monitor your own media consumption. You might think that your preschooler isn't paying attention when you're watching CSI, but kids can pick up on disturbing plot lines from the next room. Parental controls and locks can help you block access to certain channels (or websites) that you deem unacceptable, but given the nearly ubiquitous presence of Wi-Fi – and the fact that young kids inevitably grown into tech-savvy teens – it's essential to talk to your kids about what is, and is not, OK as well, beginning at a very early age. "It's important to talk to your kids," Pierce says. "Talk about what these tools should be used for and what they shouldn't be used for." Tweak the conversation to your child's age, and expect to repeat the conversation – again and again and again – as your child grows.