IN Brentwood-Baldwin-Whitehall Spring 2018 | Page 63

Limiting the Screen Time
for Students By Mrs. Pagan
Like many other issues these days, the video gaming epidemic
is very controversial. The line between a healthy amount of
gaming and an excessive amount is easily blurred and crossed.
As parents, it is prudent to find moderation in all things. Banning
games entirely may be good for some households, but others
will find that it may socially isolate their children and take away
a source of joy. However, opening the door to the good, will
also allow access to the bad including exposing the children’s
minds to the realm of violence, taking their free time away from
doing other things, and putting them at risk for obesity. It is
important that the parent monitors what kinds of games children
are playing. Part of this job is to know the descriptors and the
genres they represent. The Entertainment Software Rating Board
has ratings that provide concerned parents information about
the content of the games (ESRB, 2014). Efficient use of these
ratings can help parents to make more informed choices for their
children.
The following are the rating symbols currently in use, according
to the ESRB Web site.
Early Childhood (EC) - Content suitable for children 3 years and
older and contain no objectionable material.
Everyone (E) - Content suitable for persons ages 6 and older.
The game may contain minimal violence and some "comic
mischief."
Teen (T) - Content suitable for persons ages 13 and older.
Content is more violent than (E) rating and contains mild or
strong language, and/or suggestive themes.
Mature (M) - Content suitable for persons ages 17 and older.
Content definitely has more mature sexual themes, intense
violence and stronger language.
ELROY
Adults Only (AO) - Content suitable only for adults
and may contain graphic sex and/or violence. Adult Only
products are not intended for persons under the age of 18.
Rating Pending (RP) - Game has been submitted to the
ESRB and is awaiting a final rating.
The ESRB Website has more details about this rating
system, as well as the "content descriptors" that are used in
conjunction with the ratings on game packaging. The site is
also useful for parents who want to search for the rating of
a particular game. Another useful link for media ratings is
https://www.commonsensemedia.org/game-reviews.
One major concern linked to screen time is that it interferes
with the needed sleep for children. For children, not getting
enough sleep can be particularly problematic. Their bodies
and minds are still growing and maturing and sleep is a
crucial part of healthy development. Studies have shown
that getting enough sleep improves kids' attention;
behavior; emotional, mental and physical health; as well
as their ability to learn and remember. In 2016, the AASM
suggested the following sleep recommendations for kids for
optimal health:
Infants 4 to 12 months old: 12 to 16 hours (including naps)
Kids ages 1 to 2: 11 to 14 hours (including naps)
Kids ages 3 to 5: 10 to 13 hours (including naps)
Kids ages 6 to 12: 9 to 12 hours
Kids ages 13 to 18: 8 to 10 hours
It is especially important for parents to take steps to make
sure kids get enough sleep. If your child regularly fights
going to bed or has trouble going to sleep, be sure to set
up good bedtime routines and talk to your doctor if those
measures still don't add up to enough zzz's.
Animal Shelter Collection
By Mrs. Forsyth and Mrs. Sauro
The Second Grade Classes at Elroy Elementary
decided to collect donations for a local animal
shelter, the “Who Rescued Who Humane Rescue”
in Clairton. They felt that helping out an animal
shelter is a great way to assist animals in need. The
students decided to “give up” their classroom gifts to
each other and replace it with a gift for the animal
shelter. The second graders made posters and asked
each grade to donate to their cause. Many students
at Elroy Elementary generously donated blankets,
bones, cat treats, dog food, cat food, collars, bowls
and lots of leashes to help the animals.
BRENTWOOD-BALDWIN-WHITEHALL ❘
SPRING 2018
61