by Dr. Erica Stevens

Technology has truly changed the way our children learn and play. The latest e-reader, video game or camera is likely on your child’s gift list this holiday season. However, it can be a challenge determining which gadget is the best buy for your family.

When investing in tech products, it’s also important to look at how it can help provide a long-lasting and enriching experience for children vs. collecting dust in the toy box. According to a recent survey, video games are a hot item this year with over one-third of parents planning to purchase them as gifts.

While games and other popular tech items can serve as a fun and interactive way for kids to develop analytical skills, expand their imagination and even exercise, parents must play an active role in choosing products that are appropriate. To help ensure kids have a safer and fun learning experience with new tech gadgets, here are some tips:

Educate yourself. Selecting the perfect game ““ or gaming consoles ““ isn’t as simple as “one size fits all.” The Entertainment Software Rating Board (www.esrb.org) provides impartial ratings based on the content and age-appropriateness of games. Some retailers even allow parents to conveniently search and shop online by ESRB rating.

Apply family settings. Only about half of parents report that they feel knowledgeable about parental controls on video game consoles. As you bring new technology home, it’s critical you review the manual and learn what family settings are available to help you manage your child’s gaming and entertainment experience. Video game consoles come with features that allow you to set limits on the total amount of time your child plays. Computers also come with settings that control what Websites your child can visit and help you manage screen time.

Play along. Playing or observing helps you understand your child’s experience, while providing a fun parent-child activity. Talk to your child about their new laptop or video game. Why do they enjoy it? What’s the objective? Is it real or make-believe? Be sure to encourage children to take turns or work together to complete a virtual mission and set the expectation that cooperation and teamwork are important values.

Get creative. Encourage activities that build creativity and confidence. Many computers come with video editing and photo design software pre-installed. Using this software can help your child become familiar with basic technology tools they use in school. Here are a few idea starters on ways to get your child using their new tech gift to gain useful design and presentation skills:
– Upload your holiday photos and create a presentation about family members.
– Grab a camera and interview each other. Edit video footage into a short documentary and showcase on “˜movie night.’
– Design a greeting card with your child’s favorite images and their own personal message to share with family and friends.

Erica S. Stevens, Ph.D. is an Atlanta-based education expert and mother of two young daughters. She serves as the senior director of Education & the Arts at Boys & Girls Clubs of America (BGCA), managing the organization’s comprehensive academic success and arts initiatives. BGCA offers the Club Tech program to teach young people essential digital literacy skills. Tutorials in digital arts, video game development, robotics and more are available for free to the public at www.myclubmylife.com/clubtech.