Gaming: Parental Guidelines
Children spend at least 13 to 30 hours a week gaming. Most
computer games are violent and aggressive and do little to
inculcate moral values. Studies indicate that gaming results in
aggressiveness and violent responses in children. And, children
are less concerned and helpful towards their peers and families.
They become socially stunted.
The onus of minimizing the effects and ensuring that children
receive a rounded upbringing falls on parents. It is important
to introduce character building activities and to censor games,
ensuring suitability. * Study guidelines established by the
Entertainment Software Board. They indicate suitability for
different age groups. Read the content label which will
summarize the game, this will serve as an appropriateness
guideline. * Know your child. If you find any signs of being
unsettled withdraw games that cause this change in behavior.
Introduce games that titillate the imagination and make use of
the mind. Avoid violence and aggression. * Visit www.ESRB.com
this provides game ratings as well as reviews. * Rent a game and
play it yourself. First hand knowledge will serve you well. *
Communicate with other parents. You will glean the trends, know
the popularity. * Play the games with your child. Know their
reactions and learn their responses. * Establish an open
relationship where your child becomes comfortable even talking
about what is inappropriate or disturbing. Establish gently what
is right and wrong. Bullying does not help. * Set up the
computer and gaming console in a family room. All games will
then be out in the open. You will be in a position to judge and
monitor. * Feel free to contact the manufacturer and voice your
opinion. * Study in detail the plus and minus points of computer
usage. * Interact with your child at all levels. * Be a cautious
buyer -question claims of advancing brain development. *
Introduce a variable routine for your child. Outdoor activities
interwoven with computer related activities. * Focus on social
and emotional development. The child must be confident, curious,
and forthright; display self control; be able to relate
linearly, be caring and cooperative, and be communicative. *
Choose games that are fun and have a degree of effective
learning. * Introduce games that require two or more
players--this fosters social interaction. * Playing games should
be a privilege not a right. Emphasize that parental approval is
a must. * Use games to maximize your child's interests. If the
child is mechanical minded purchase games that encourage this
talent. * Choose games that require decisions and strategies.
Games should be more than shoot, blow up, destroy, and kill.
Avoid killer machine games.
* Explain why a game is not to be played. Never just take away a
game. A child needs to understand why you are against playing
certain games.
Gaming is a part of life. It introduces computer technology,
problem solving, and logic. It improves motor as well as spatial
skills. Games are not just entertaining, they can be therapeutic
too. Choose wisely and guide your child.