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Tech role in lives of children examined

Industry leaders say setting limits is good, if done the right way.

LAS VEGAS - The International Consumer Electronics Show is such a glitzy celebration of technology that it was striking to see a set of panel discussions here Tuesday exploring whether electronic connectedness is valuable for children.

Do computers and tech toys provide creative new outlets for kids to play, socialize and learn? Or does staring at screens all day addle the developing mind and hinder critical thinking skills?

It's a little of both, judging by the commentary at this first "Sandbox Summit" at CES. The trick, participants said, is for parents to intelligently monitor their children's use of computers and communication devices.

There's good reason to ban PCs from children's bedrooms. But arbitrary rules may be counterproductive. For example, limiting play on complex and deeply involved video games to an hour daily might be the equivalent of banning the game entirely.

George Cigale, CEO of the online homework-help service Tutor.com, said parents should be mindful that many children enjoy playing and communicating on computers as a contrast to the regimens of the school day.

"There's so little control a child has in their daily life," he said. "So much of the way they use technology today is a desire to take back control."

[Last modified January 9, 2008, 00:16:24]