What Runescape Has Taught My 11 Year Old Son

Here is an unexpected list of some of the things my 11 year old son has learned from Runescape.

Typing 60 wpm. Yes, my son can type, accurately, very fast, at just over 60 words per minute. This is comparable to my 65 wpm, that I couldn't come any where near at the age of 11. This is a skill that he will be able to use his whole life. Most recently it let him ace a computer class that was generally aimed at learning to type. This has been the most unexpected benefit of Runescape.

The art of bartering. Knowing what something is worth, ability to recognize a bargain and a rip-off. He has learned on Runescape that the listed price is often open to negotiation.

Budgeting skills. While the budgeting learned in Runescape is minimal and not directly related to reality. The lesson can be transferred. There are many things to purchase in the game and money has to be earned. Also, if your child wants a paid membership, which allows a few more online benefits, the cost is $5, which could be budgeted as part of your child's allowance.

IM/texting rules, manners, language. As much as I will likely not appreciate this well toned skill in the teenage years to come, it is a part of current American culture. IMing is used socially and professionally worldwide, as is texting.

Supply and demand. In the real world we all know, as adults how and why prices of goods go up and down. In Runescape my son has learned that some items sell for a higher price in certain markets. If there are other characters selling the same item he wants to sell, he might be better going elsewhere to sell his.

Safe online chatting. Runescape has an open chat as well as the ability to have a list of 'friends' to chat with. This has prompted the opportunity and need to discuss online predators. Runescape is very supportive of a safe online environment and forbids exchange of phone numbers or emails. Make sure to talk to your children about the dangers of online communications. Never give out your real or full name, address, phone number, email, school name, cell phone numbers, birth-date, parent's name or occupation. Any information that your child gives out online can be used in the future to lure them into feeling safe about providing more information. Online safety cannot be stressed or repeated enough. If you have any doughts about the safety of your childs online behavior, pull the plug.

Scammers. First hand knowledge of scams that exist everywhere in life. My son has lost his account in a hijack by an unknown scammer and has known several others who have lost their accounts similarly. This has been a frustrating experience for him, but one that I am glad he can experience in an environment where nothing is actually 'lost'. No 'real' money is lost, no 'real' identity stolen; but a guarded caution is established.

Creativity. In Runescape there are endless worlds and markets that are very ingenious. There is a wide variety of activities that these miniature online people can participate in a mid-evil world of fantasy. My son has learned to use a variety of art/paint programs, as well as has the ability to make online videos, complete with action clips and audio.

Patience is a virtue. All of my sons hear me say this repetitiously. In Runescape my son has learned that there are many things that take a lot of time and work. He can achieve certain missions for a reward.

Teamwork, working with trusted friends. My son has many friends from different cities we have lived in, that he has been able to keep in touch with and still "play-with", via Runescape. They can plot and scheme together in a joint effort to accomplish a larger goal.

Knowing that not all friends are trustworthy. There are times when you think someone is your friend and find out they really only wanted something you had. This has happened to my son when his account was hi-jacked by a classmate. All of his character's assets were lost and he had to start all over from scratch. This was quite a blow for him since he had had that account for over 6 months.

Ask anyone who knows me and they will tell you I am NOT a fan of video games of online-gaming. However I do have to admit that Runescape has not been an all together 'bad' thing for my son. As with all video games, I think equal time should be spent doing something redeeming in value, such as reading, educational research, chores, additional school work, etc... in exchange for gaming time. All things in moderation and with supervision, rules and guidance Runescape can be a rewarding experience for children and adults. I do know several adults who also play this game with their child and find it a challenging and fun way to spend time with their son/daughter.