Device Advice for Parents: How to Choose the Best Tech Gifts for Your Kids

Soundbite and Script

December 8, 2011

ANNOUNCER:

YOUNG CHILDREN ARE MORE TECH-SAVVY THAN EVER. BY THE TIME THEY ARE SIX, SOME KIDS ARE ALREADY ASKING FOR GADGETS. 

THIS HOLIDAY SEASON, E-READERS, SMARTPHONES, TABLETS AND GAME CONSOLS ARE TOPPING KIDS WISH LISTS. CAROLINE KNORR IS PARENTING EDITOR WITH COMMON SENSE MEDIA, A NON-PARTISAN AND NOT-FOR-PROFIT.

CAROLINE KNORR:

“Reading the manual that comes with the device is important but whether it is a game consol, Android, Kindle or even a learning tablet for toddlers, the manual will not tell you how to manage how you kids use them, that’s up to you. The three important actions that parents can take are:  one, learn about the device and parental controls it may offer; two, choose age appropriate movies, apps and video games; and three, set limits on the amount of time your kids can spend on the device. By doing this, parents will ensure their tech gifts promote time management skills and the educational opportunities technology offers.”

ANNOUNCER:

FOR MORE TECH DEVICE ADVICE THIS HOLIDAY SEASON, PLEASE VISIT COMMON SENSE MEDIA.ORG.  I’M LEE SHEPPARD.