It’s Only a Game, Right?

With so many video games on the market targeted to a variety of age groups, it can be hard to decide if your child is old enough to play.

Over the years, video games have become a multi-billion-dollar industry, as well as an integral part of modern culture. When it comes to these games, there are positive and negative influences, so consider the facts before you purchase a video game for your child.

Weighing the Pros and Cons

Video games introduce children to computer technology and teach them to follow directions. Some games encourage the use of logic or problem-solving skills and promote the development of fine motor and spatial skills. Other games even incorporate physical activity to keep kids active. In addition to entertainment value, video games can promote bonding between parents and children.

In contrast, children who depend on video games for entertainment may become socially isolated to the point that they no longer require social interaction to have fun. Many popular games show violence or anger and include the use of dangerous weapons and hostile actions to defeat enemies, which may condone aggressive behavior.

A Family Decision

While there is no specific age when kids should be allowed to play video games, consider the following ideas before introducing them in your home: 

• Offer game time as a reward for positive behavior rather than a daily event.
• Research popular games first to determine if they are age-appropriate.
• Set time limits for playing games to 60-90 minutes per day.

For more information, search our site for more information on video games.