How to Choose Video Games for Your Child

Video games are a tremendously popular form of entertainment among teenagers. Adolescent boys spend an average of 13 hours per week playing video games, while girls play video games for about five hours each week. Because of their interactive nature, however, violent video games may have an even greater influence on behavior than movies or television with similar content.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderate

1. Asssess your child’s personality. Evidence suggests that highly aggressive individuals are more affected by violent video games than nonaggressive individuals, but some studies have found that even nonaggressive individuals are influenced by brief exposures to simulated violence within video games. Many people have suggested that only video games featuring graphic violence are harmful to children. However, research conducted by the American Psychological Association suggests that even exposure to clearly unrealistic or fantasy violence within video games increases the risk of aggressive behavior. One recent study found that aggressive behavior increased among college students who played E-rated (suitable for everyone) video games that depicted cartoonish violence.
2. Don’t assume stores will protect your child. The phenomenally successful Grand Theft Auto series has sold more than 35 million copies worldwide despite its depictions of gang violence, drug use, and disrespectful behavior. While this game is not intended for children, one recent study found that 50 percent of boys age 7-14 have successfully purchased Grand Theft Auto or other M-rated games. Secret shopper studies have shown than children as young as seven have been able to purchase these types of games from major retailers.
3. Stay informed. The ratings on the box of a video game can provide a clue to the content, but these are often vague and uninformative. If you don’t have time to personally evaluate a game, check out the reviews on sites dedicated to parents who are concerned about their child’s media consumption.

Tips & Warnings

• Keeping video game consoles out of your child’s bedroom is a very effective way to prevent excessive or inappropriate media consumption. If you allow your child to have these items in his/her bedroom, remember to provide adequate supervision regarding media choices and the amount of time spent engaged in these activities.