Studies have shown that children spend almost 75% of their spare time watching TV, and playing video games on the television or computer. These studies have also linked such activities to various ailments such as obesity, lethargic behavior, and lack of confidence and fear of social recognition. Continuous exposure to even educational programs on the television is detrimental to a child's physical and mental development. Along with the computer, the television is a great source of information and one of the finest sources of visual entertainment though. Even computer games can be very informational and help in mental development. However, its use must be controlled in such a way, that a child is not captivated by it. Further, studies have also shown that continuous exposure to television also causes brain damage to the susceptible minds of children



It is important that children get as much fresh air and exercise as possible. Children are fascinated by devices such as video games, remote controlled cars, etc. It is an excellent idea, to incorporate this fascination with healthy, intellectual and character building activities. Helping them widen their horizon of activities by undertaking such hobbies as flying RC planes is one such way.

Since RC model airplanes are designed on the sound physics principles, they not only help in getting children outdoors and give them exercise, but also help in stimulating their intellect. Learning to fly these planes also helps them in improving hand to eye co-ordination and inculcates the habit of making swift, but secure decisions. Children who own RC Model airplanes also understand the concept of enjoyment coupled with responsibility. Flying these planes with their friends also teaches children the idea of healthy competition and sportsmanship. This further facilitates a winning attitude among children, which is ever so necessary in today's time and age.

We also need to look at RC model airplanes as an educative toy or tool for children. Since these planes work on different energy sources such as gas, battery or electricity and even jet propulsion, children will be enthralled by these concepts and will genuinely want to gain knowledge of these concepts. The same will hold good for various other principles of physics such as aerodynamics, drag, speed, center of gravity, etc, which are quintessential in flying a plane. It also opens up many career options for students.

Another important aspect that needs to be considered is the actual hand on experience that children gain as compared to watching television and playing computer games. In simulator games, children have the option of re-starting. This acts as a stimulant to responsibility. But with RC model airplanes, when they crash, they can be partially or completely destroyed. Children also need to be completely alert, while flying model planes. This is not the case, when they are watching television or playing games, where they stare at the screens with a mindless glare.

So, keep your kids away from television as far as possible and instill in them a hobby like building and flying a RC model airplanes.