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Taming the Video Game Tiger
- LIMIT game playing time. (Recommendation: no more than
one hour per day.)
- CHECK the age game ratings on the box. But become familiar
with the game before you buy it. [(Some T(een) and E(veryone)
rated games have a level of violence and sex that you
may not be comfortable with.]
- USE other content sources and reviews to help you choose
a game. (Games are often previewed in detail on the web.)
- RENT a game to preview before buying.
- AVOID the "first person shooter", killing-machine
games. M-rated games are not meant for children or teenagers.
- REQUIRE that homework and chores be done before game
playing. Playing games should be a reward.
- DO NOT PUT video game consoles or computers in children's
bedrooms where they can shut the door and isolate themselves.
- PLAY AND ENJOY the game with your child; check in as
your child moves into deeper levels in the game. (With
some games the level of violence goes up the deeper into
the game the player gets.)
- TALK about the content of the games. Ask your child
what's going on in the game.
- EXPLAIN to your children why you object to certain games.
- ASK your local retailer or rental store to implement
policies preventing the sale or rental of M-rated (mature)
games to children or youth.
- LOOK for games that involve multiple players to encourage
group play.
- PICK non-lethal games that require the player to come
up with strategies, and make decisions in a game environment
that is more complex than punch, run, and kill.
- Finally, ENCOURAGE your child to play with friends away
from the video game set.
Questions to ask about violence in video games: Is the
violence rewarded or punished? What are the consequences?
How graphic is the violence? Is the violence against humans
or inanimate objects? Is the violence sexual?
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