Is there an app for that?

The Healthy Communities-Healthy Kids Coalition's February’s Developmental Asset of the month is “Constructive Use of Time,” and it got me thinking as a parent and a coalition member a lot about kids and apps. (Developmental Assets are 40 common sense, positive experiences and qualities that help influence choices young people make and help them become caring, responsible adults). With three kids who regularly use the iPad and smartphones in the house, I’m asked quite frequently, “Can I get an app?”  Or I overhear them saying to one another, “Did you know there’s an app that lets you build your own house out of cheese?”  (OK, maybe there’s not an actual app for that, but you get the picture.) 

In my opinion, apps are quite overwhelming from a parent’s perspective. Why you ask?

First, there are literally “thousands” of them available instantaneously.  Many of them are free.  At least with video games, my kids have to have some money to
spend, ask for permission, and get a ride to Wal-Mart to purchase them. 

Second, there really is an app for almost anything out there (except for shoveling 30+ inches of snow in a blizzard!)  There are some really great apps out there for kids – apps that help them with learning (spelling, math, the U.S. Presidents just a few that we’ve taken advantage of) and creativity (there really are some that help
you design your dream home!).  But for as many productive apps as there
are out there, there are just as many apps that (in my opinion) are violent,
mean-spirited, and very adult oriented. 

Third, unlike movies or video games, as of right now, apps don’t have any independent content ratings.  Developers assign their own ages to the apps they create. My gut tells me that many will err on the side of getting more users to
download their app, assigning a lower recommended age than is really
appropriate.  But that’s just my gut.

Fourth, social networking is built into many apps.  Within an app, you can make “friends” with other users (gaming apps especially).  Many allow you to post your location. Clearly these features can be frightening in the hands of kids of any age.

Finally, advertising is a huge part of many of these apps.  The free version is usually the “light” version.  You use it up to a point, but just when you get to the advanced features (or the “fun” part in the eyes of the kids), you need to purchase the “complete” app at a price.  Many also connect through other social media (such as Facebook), which allows them to advertise the app itself to the
friends of the user. 

So where’s someone like me to start?  How do I try to keep my kids’ use of apps constructive  (and more importantly, keep them safe?)

I stumbled across the Common Sense Media website (www.commonsensemedia.org.)  Taken right from their Homepage, “Common Sense Media is the nation’s largest nonprofit dedicated to providing nonpartisan reviews and expert advice to families in today’s 24/7 digital world.

Common Sense Media is dedicated to improving the lives of kids and families by providing the trustworthy information, education, and independent voice they need to thrive in a world of media and technology.”

The site allows those who visit it to read the reviews that other users (identified as kids, parents, or educators) have given to apps, video games, music, movies, and more.  While the app developers may give me a recommendation as to the “appropriate” ages for their apps, I think I may need a bit more information.  This
website appears to be a bit more objective, especially considering the reviews
of parents and educators.

It also provided me a few other tips that will become part of our new household rules.  Take a look.

http://www.commonsensemedia.org/advice-for-parents/apps-101-what-know-you-download

Apps can be overwhelming.  Just like a lot of media kids are exposed to these days, I believe they can be a resource for great good, or do some great harm. I just have to add some more items to my own “to do” list to stay on top of the ones my kids are using……I bet there’s an app for that.

Written by Erika Fleig-coalition member!

For more information on the coalition and the 40 developmental assets visit www.hc-hk.org

The Healthy Communities-Healthy Kids Coalition involves multiple sectors of the community to reduce substance abuse in the Haddam-Killingworth community. The coalition also strives to engage Haddam and Killingworth youth and adults in efforts to educate, implement strategies, and change policy to advance the wellness of the community.