As a long time video game player my ideas and thoughts about video games sometimes seem to contradict my thoughts and views of video games as a parent. Video games have always been an important part of my life, but as I get older and my children are getting older I have to really focus on a good balance for them as well as me. For me my video game time is really only after the kids and wife are in bed. My oldest is now 9 and is really getting into the whole video game thing, but we have to be extra careful on time and of course titles. Most of his video game time is limited to the weekends and days off with a little time if he earned it during the week. I am by no means a parent who is going to limit him to just educational games, but I will also be very careful on the titles I allow him to play. He is a huge Star Wars fan so needless to say he has just a few Star Wars games.
Ratings
I pay attention to the ratings on all the video games as well as keep myself well-informed about what is in each game. I know Grand Theft Auto, Left 4 Dead and many other violent games so those are off-limits to the kids. I also know what is in the Halo series which is the only game rated M that I let my oldest play. Yes there is gun violence and some language but it is all SciFi violence with limited to no graphic blood and gore. Say what you will about Microsoft, they do know how to make a good game without the added blood and gore. I find it very important to go over the games I allow my son to play as well as discuss which games I do not what him playing at friends houses. While I am always vigilante and educated about games I can’t rely on other parents to be as vigilant. The ESRB (Entertainment Software Rating board) has a system in place, but the difference between Left 4 Dead and Halo series are night and day for graphic violence, yet they carry the same rating. As a matter of fact a couple of his friends were discussing Left 4 Dead and Grand Theft Auto which I found rather surprising. Both games are rated M, yet have some Extreme Violent and adult situations which I have found way too much to allow my son to play, yet his friends play them. While I do think the video game industry has done a great job at trying to regulate itself, I feel that too many uninformed politicians and ignorant parents create controversy when it can be avoided. Looking at the ratings is not enough, a parent should spend a few minutes reading reviews and understanding the games before they purchase them for their children. Too many parents ignore the ratings on the games and buy them for their kids because they want it. Many parents ignore the fact that a large portion of the video game industry is focused on adults and not children. See the ESRB Rating Board Guide HERE!




Research The Titles
Most people would not see a movie or buy a car without checking at least a couple reviews. Why is it that parents purchase games for their kids blindly. Many of the parents of children under 18 grew up with the Nintendo Entertainment System which is a far cry from the XBOX 360 and Play Station 3. With all the research available and a vast game community it is simple enough to read detailed reviews of games online. the best places for reviews are not you local media outlets or even many of the parent groups, but in the gaming community. Honestly many of the writers are parents too and understand that many adults do not understand the current video games. You can find reviews at Gamespot, IGN and G4TV. It is simple to just google the title for reviews. In about the time it takes to drink a coffee you can have detailed information about the games your children play or want to play.
Be Responsible for Your Purchases
Retailers are not supposed to sell M rated games to children so most of the children playing the games either had someone else buy the game for them or their parents bought the game. Don’t complain to the government or the game publishers that Modern Warfare 2 is too violent for your 10-year-old, that there is too much blood in Left 4 Dead 2 or that there is adult content hidden in a Grand Theft Auto Title when the games are rated M and not intended for those under 17. If you don’t know what your kids are playing the only one to blame is YOU! If they have a shelf full of games take a few minutes to look at the cover and the ratings. If there are ratings above your child’s age take the time to find out what the rating on that game means. You do not have to be a game expert to learn about the games your children are playing. Take responsibility for your actions or lack of actions if you will…
Video Games Are Not the Problem
I have seen so many uninformed politicians and overzealous parenting organizations preach the evils of video games. If you have young children there are plenty of appropriate video games out there for them. If you are chastising the publishers for making games targeted for adults consider this.
- 50% of video game players are in the age range of 18-49
- 25% under 18
- 25% 50 or older.
- The average video game player is 35 years old.
So if the video game publishers are making games intended for the 18-49 age group don’t blame them if you let you preteen play them. Studies show that playing video games can increase your hand eye coordination and many of the games require you to think and react. Of course too much play is not a good thing for children or adults.
Educate yourself about the games your children play or want to purchase and both you and your children can have a positive video game experience. You can always take it one step further and play the games with your children so you truly understand what they are doing.













