Video games? Should you let your children play them?

photo credit: Random J
My household is definitely a gamers' household so I would like to announce my bias from the start. I have been playing games online since 1994 and as my family was an early adopter of computers, I have been playing PC games since I was 8.
We have 3 PCs, a Gamecube, 2 Gameboys, 2 Nintendo DS's and a WII.
It has been a very harsh winter here in Wisconsin so the options of leaving the house have been limited. Therefore they have been weekends where an awful lot of time has been spent by all members of the family engaged in some form of video games. I prefer rpg or strategy games, my eldest daughter is a "The Sims" addict, my son likes strategy and platform games and my youngest, the least keen of us all, has found an online game where she can raise and sell horses.

The news love to follow stories which report the unfavorable aspects of video gaming - links to obesity, increased violence and in a few tragic cases even death.
The truth is that video games in themselves are neither good nor bad but how they are used can decide whether they become destructive or just a pleasurable pastime.
It all comes down to parental choices. If parents use good judgment and follow the guidelines below, video games are unlikely to be a detriment to the average child. If YOUR child is an exception, if you see violent outbursts in your child and even vaguely suspect that a video game is to blame, then the parents must take the games and if necessary the whole games system and block use of the PC by passwords. If your child is home alone for a considerable amount of time, I would not advise access to the internet or to the more violent video games.

It is very easy to blame computer games for the ills of society but it is far too easy an excuse. Good Parenting can eradicate any possible harmful effects.

It is very easy to blame computer games for the ills of society but it is far too easy an excuse. Good Parenting can eradicate any possible harmful effects.

I personally prefer my children to play video games rather than watch television due to the interactive aspect of video games. Most games have at least some reading. Strategy games encourage often high levels of critical thinking. Online games can encourage interaction with other players. Historically based games can help children learn not only historical facts but also a real feel for the context. There is even an attempt to build in physical activity with the Nintendo WII gaming systems.

There are dangers with video gaming but there are also many positive benefits. Parent's, get involved, learn what games your child is playing both at home and at friends'houses and think about playing with them. It can be a wonderful chance to bond with your child.


photo credit: nattu

According to the Center for On-Line Addiction, warning signs for video game addiction include:

Playing for increasing amounts of time

Thinking about gaming during other activities

Gaming to escape from real-life problems, anxiety, or depression

Lying to friends and family to conceal gaming

Feeling irritable when trying to cut down on gaming

If a parent spots one or more signs then they must take immediate action, possibly including support from a mental health professional.