About Video Games

Video Games are basically computerized games designed for different purpose and people. They are games that we usually play using our diverse technological devices. The emphasis in this article will be on positives and negatives on parents and their children who play video games using online computers.

There are different views about video games and the effects (good, bad or unknown) that they have on kids in particular, and hence their parents parenting responsibilities. Video games are played by the very young 6-9 year olds and by adults above age 50. The Entertainment Software Association, Federal Trade Commission and other such groups will have more information on this. But why are videos games played?

Some may say video game playing introduces children to the computer and technological world of the 20th and 21st Centuries of mandatory use of computers. They give practice in hypothetical cases of following directions; some form of practice for kids in basic problem solving and logic are done; motor and spatial skills are exercised; they provide occasions for the parent and child to share some time together; and they are entertaining and fun to use. All of these and other reasons are basically helpful. But the type of games and the persons playing the games will determine the fundamental and real positives of the above.

Children like your neighbor kids, when asked, will usually tell you that, playing videos games is fun to them; make them feel in control of the situations; help them to releases some form of tension; sometimes provide a medium to relieve their boredom; help to develop their individual gaming skills to compete against other kids; give them a sense of mastery, and other similar practical other reasons. These may be considered normal by some child care and development professionals, but careful attention to changes in the child behavior and thinking will be necessary.

Now video game playing does have some concerns for parents and guardians. Parents need to be aware that over-dependence on video games by their kids may contribute to social isolation, especially pertaining to those that are played alone without friends or neighbors. Many games today have violent acts that imply practicing. This in turn, will contribute to aggressive or more aggressive behavior than just watching a family program on the television. Be careful and ensure that the games are not portraying women or girls as weaker characters that are considered sexually provocative, because male kids (and some adults) often interpret this literally and apply bad behavior in real life towards females.

In addition, watch-out for games that offer specific arenas for weapons, killings, kicking, stabbing, shootings, and such alike. They may "pop-up" or be exposed indirectly to kids, and are of course, not acceptable for your children. Some games are fun but may not offer positive creative thinking and actions for kids, and adults alike. An essential point is to be aware that some games will confuse reality (or real life situations) with that of fantasy. Another critical point parents need to know and remember is that academic achievements may be adversely affected because of too much time spent on video games. No parent will want their kids education and development to be negatively affected because of video game playing, so this is important to watch-out for.

In light of the above, parents need to remember that they can, consistently limit the game playing times; carefully check the age game ratings and descriptions at the time they are considering purchasing a game; research and find-out other content sources and reviews to assist them in their final decisions; require that their kids homework and chores MUST be done before any form of game playing; sometimes play the games with their kids, talk about its content with them and watch-out for changes in children behavior or thinking; and explain to their kids why some games are very inappropriate and dangerous to their welfare and development.

Parents also need to remember that video game ratings have some logos stipulating the recommendations, such as, EC for Early Childhood; E for Everyone; E10+ pertaining to Everyone 10+; T for Teen; M for Mature; AO that apply to Adults Only; and RP that some say imply Rating Pending. Parents can ask their retailers for more information about ratings and/or check with City and State Officials responsibly for Gaming in this respect.

So video gaming has its positive and very bad negatives. Parents must watch-over their kids and protect them from some manufacturers and retailers of video games who often do not. Parent must carefully decide on the most beneficial game for their kids base on the above and other factors discovered from their personal checking and research into a specific game they are considering to purchase.
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