Set Limits and Maximize Their Experience, Their Fun, and Their Education

It has been proven that the right video games can give children practice in following instructions, in problem solving and logic development, as well as help them to develop their fine motor skills and spatial skills.[1] This provides parents with a powerful tool they can use to help their children develop essential skills and learn important educational lessons, all the while ensuring their children associate learning with fun.

It’s a win-win situation, with many video games providing learning experiences that are as enjoyable as they are beneficial, and one that has prompted video games to soar in popularity and become commonplace in many US households, with a recent report showing that 45% of heavy video game players and nearly a third of avid gamers are in the 6- to 17-year-old age group[2].

Given that so many young children are playing video games, parents will want to get involved and work to ensure their children have access to games that are right for their age group and appropriate for their learning level.

Where do Parents Start?

Parents will also want to set limits on playing time and will want to work to ensure their child’s game-playing time is balanced with physical activities and outdoor fun,

In doing this, a great place to start is by determining in advance when and how long your child can play video games, even the educational ones, and requiring that homework and chores be competed before video games can be played.

Parental Resources

Additionally, before you buy a game for your child, take the time to read content sources and video game reviews. When you can, access other parent’s input and reviews on the games.

You should also check the age ratings and descriptors for each game and make sure these are appropriately matched to your child. Of course, the best way to judge this is to actually play the game with your child. This will allow you to better assess the game and it’s suitability for your individual child.

While there are many games that offer strong educational value for your child, there are games that are violent or include inappropriate language, which you will want to avoid.

This is just another reason to play each game with your child, at least once. This will also open up communications about the game, prompting discussions with your child about the game, its content, etc. and provide you with the perfect opportunity to ask your child what he or she thinks is going on with the game.

You will want to monitor your child’s progress with the game and check-in with them as they move into deeper levels of the game.

What to Look for in Games

Look for games that require your child to come up with strategies or make decisions without involving any violence.

Another great idea: opt for games that allow multiple players to encourage group play.

Again, keep a watchful eye on the age ratings and descriptors on the game box and beware games that have violent or sexual themes on the cover.

Use the parent resources listed above, such as parent reviews, to help you make a more informed decision about a game.

Questions to Ask

You’ve read content sources and parent reviews on a game and have even made sure it’s recommended for your child’s age group, but you’re still not sure if the game is really right for your child.

Take the time to play the game yourself, keeping in mind the following questions:

• Is the game violent?

• Is the violence rewarded or punished, such as do the players have to become increasingly violent to progress or win?

• If not, what are the consequences of the violence?

• How graphic is the violence?

• Is the violence against humans or inanimate objects?

Objecting to Games

The U.S. video game market reached nearly $10.5 billion in sales in 2005, with the projected worldwide market expected to grow to $46.5 billion by 2010,[3] clearly demonstrating that video games are here to stay.

Many of these games offer real value to your child, while many do not. It’s inevitable that, at some point, your child will express interest in a game that you object to because of its content, parent reviews, or its game rating.

When this happens, be honest with your child and let him or her know why you object to the game. Use it as an opportunity to talk through the elements you object to and also to point out that games are different from the real world.

A Final Note

Don’t put a video game console or computer in your child’s bedroom and make sure you check in with them often as they play video games or spend time on a computer.

[3] BusinessWeek Online, 2006

How Computer Games Help Children Learn, David Williamson Shaffer

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