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Preteens and MP3 Players

The Good, the Bad and the Noisy

By Teri Brown

MP3 players and other personal music devices are not a one-time-only expenditure. Downloading can be very expensive, but Dr. Bradley doesn't necessarily think this is a bad thing. "Kids today have so much just given to them," he says. "It is vital that parents find something important to the child and have them earn it. Music downloads are a perfect opportunity to have them do extra chores or whatever it is to earn their music. This is really a win-win situation."

Another unforeseen complication is downloading illegal music. So many kids do it that it may be hard for your child to see it as a bad thing. Ask them if they would steal a dollar candy bar from a friend. If the child admires the artist, why would they steal from them? Discuss how music is what the artist does for a living and they have to pay house payments and bills just like everyone else.

MP3 players can be a fun and enriching activity, but for preteens, especially, it is important to lay some ground rules. If the child wants the latest music technology, they will no doubt comply!

Some MP3 Rules to Consider Tell your child not to blast the volume and not to listen for extended periods of time. Volume and duration can damage hearing. Make sure your child gives you the heads up when he or sheis downloading so you can monitor and listen to what they are buying. Tell your child they should not listen to music when they are supposed to be socializing, like at dinner. Don't be rude. If someone is talking, turn down or turn off the volume and listen.