Video Games: Friend or Foe?

As an individual, I feel we should keep an eye on our kids and what they choose to play, both on a console and on the PC. I only have a PC, but I keep a video game called "City of Heroes" on it. It may be rated 'T' for teens but I'd be careful about those you let play it as it has a Sequel, called "City of Villains". The only way we can keep our kids' gaming in check is by keeping the computer in a visible space and by checking with the teachers at school to see if your kids are doing there what they play in the game.

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My 2 boys are very much into video games. We have an Xbox & a Wii & are a fully outfitted gaming household. My secret is staying engaged. I play games with my boys & this is invaluable. We use a game rental service called Gamefly (basically Netflix for video games). I set up the Gamefly account with parental controls so my boys can choose what games they want but only from those within the ratings I have set. If there's something they want to play that's questionable we go over the Gamefly reviews together & if I feel it's appropriate, allow it into the home. When it comes, I play it along with them. If it's unacceptable we send it back, unlike buying games with Gamefly you're not stuck with it. The service functions as a parenting tool, a means of saving $ & something fun for all of us & it allows me to monitor how much time is spent & what is being played. We have a good time with it & because we're all gamers I've managed to build a certain degree of respect as the "game master."

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Games don't make kid violent. I've played violent video games since I was 12. Trust me I'm not violent. I have a friend who doesn't really play often and he is much more violent and aggressive. Personally I think its just a way for parents to place blame on something else when its the faulty teachings that they bring that make there kids do things that parents believe they shouldn't. Really does playing Gears of War really make you any more violent than watching T.V. that has violent themes. If you are looking for any to blame its the parents for not teaching there children how to act. So before you say " games are making our kids violent" take a look at the example you set.

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I think that it is our job as parents do know what our kids are watching and playing, and how long they are doing it for. Just because it "says" E for everyone doesn't mean it is for all kids. All kids are different and can handle different things. We should screen all games and movies/shows that they watch so that you don't have a small child playing/watching violent things that they will not understand. We have a learning video system and we still have time limits. Too much of a good thing can be bad. I think that it does teach the kids some things, but it is the parents job...not the TV. You should use games to help with learning.

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I agree that the time should be monitored, but its also a great idea for parents to check the games first! But games are great :)

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It's important to keep in mind that games use a standard rating system mandated by the Entertainment Software Rating Board, which not only gives parents age guidelines but also specifies why a game received that rating (example: comic mischief, violence, etc.) Just as with any form of media, parents have a responsibility to be informed about the games their children are playing and the amount of time kids play. At their best, games improve dexterity (studies have shown that surgeons who play video gaems are more skilled!), teach decision-making skills, and encourage imagination. But parents need to be aware that not all games are appropriate for children, and make (and enforce) decisions accordingly.

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I've played violent and benign video games my entire life and there isnÂ??t a violent bone in my body. Research has not established any link between violence and video games. My interest in video games motivated me into the difficult field of software development. I say as long as the kid is heading for college and looks like they will be a productive member of society let them play.

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I don't allow my son to view violent games, but at the same time you can't hide them from the world forever.

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My Master's thesis was on how preschool children learn from multimedia. It is amazing what those little brains absorb. My husband who was in the gaming industry still plays games like Halo. I can tell you for sure that when my 5 year old catches a glimps of them he acts out the scenes the next day. If was shooting aliens, he will be doing that at school. I have an absolute rule no violent games when he is around.

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