Video Games and Children

Some research suggests that playing video games may affect some children's physical functioning. Serious adverse physical effects, however, are transient or limited to a small number of players. Research has also identified benefits associated with creative and prosocial uses of video games, as in physical rehabilitation and oncology. Proponents of video games suggest that they may be a friendly way of introducing children to computers, and may increase children's hand-eye coordination and attention to detail.

What Do Parents Need To Know About Children's Television Viewing?

Children in the United States watch an average of 3 to 5 hours of television every day. Many parents and teachers are concerned about the possible effects of excessive television viewing on children because studies show that extensive television viewing may be associated with violent or overly aggressive behavior, poor academic performance and other problems. This article doesn't just focus on the problems but on how parents can guide their children's television viewing so that there can be positive benefits from TV viewing.

Discovering Interests and Talents Through Summer Experiences

The majority of summer experiences are designed to provide a pressure-free, noncompetitive environment in which young people can explore their areas of particular interest in depth. They have an opportunity to work with adult role models who are enthusiastic about their field and give individual support to each participant.

Planning a Class Camping Trip

A well-planned class camping trip is a learning adventure which develops personal values and concepts, generates skills for lifelong learning, encourages group cooperation, and enhances knowledge of and appreciation for the natural environment. Good planning will ensure a successful and fruitful trip. This digest is intended to serve as a guide to help teachers offer this unique learning opportunity to their students.

45th Skippy Dog Hero Of The Year Shepherds Four People To Safety

The 45th Skippy Dog Hero of the Year is Shelby, a 7-year-old German Shepherd from Ely, Iowa, who saved the lives of two adults and two children by alerting them to dangerously high carbon monoxide levels in the home where they were sleeping.

Youth Baseball Practices Don't Have To Be Long To Be Good

Running a baseball practice is not as simple as it looks. A little thought and preparation can make for a more enjoyable and rewarding practice. If you are a parent coach, or want to make suggestions to your child's coach, then this article will give you useful ideas.

National PTA Reaches Consensus on TV Ratings

The National PTA, accompanied by leaders from other child advocacy organizations, said in a meeting at the White House today that it supports a newly-revised television rating system. The system was developed in conjunction with the television industry.

School Spirit Can Boost Kids' Health

The American Physical Therapy Association (APTA) is urging children of all ages to show their school spirit by joining a team sport -- not only for its exercise benefits, but to develop healthy habits that will continue throughout their lives.

Pull the Plug on TV and Video Game Violence Week

Parents who are concerned about the effects of violence on TV and in video games on children, need to read this article. In it you'll find suggestions from the American Academy of Pediatrics that will help you limit the effects of these forms of violence on your children.

1998 Kids Tracker Marine "Big Fish" Contest Winners Named

Nearly 200,000 youngsters, ages 6-16, participated in the 1998 Bass Pro Shops Outdoor World and Tracker Marine Kids All-American Fishing Derby program directed by Hooked On Fishing International.

Contests "Lure" Young Anglers To Nationwide Fishing Events

A record number of contests and activities appealing to both youngsters, 6 to 16, and their parents will be offered at more than 1,100 fishing derby locations in 49 states in 1998.

Holiday Photo Tips From the Pros

"With just a little planning," says Sam Garcia, Nikon School Instructor, "unforgettable holiday snapshots become a breeze." The holidays present a world of unforgettable moments waiting to be captured on film. Nikon makes taking holiday pictures easy with these great tips.

Pediatricians Respond to TV Industry Ratings System

The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) today stated that any effective television ratings system should be content based to offer parents guidance on a program's level of sex, violence and language. The action is in response to recent media reports on the television industry's efforts to institute a ratings system that labels programs by age groups, similar to the current ratings system by the movie industry.