Parent Tips Download
Parent Guide (PDF)
The following list of tips covers most of the
major issues associated with video games. But remember the most important tip
of all: watch what your kids watch! Staying involved in your kids’ lives
is the most important way to help them make healthy choices. - LIMIT playing
time. MediaWise recommends no more than one hour a day.
- USE
other content sources and reviews to help you understand the game. A lot of the
major online games do have ESRB ratings. Other games do not. Check out online
reviews for a sense of the game.
- AVOID first-person shooter,
killing games. There are plenty of great online games with age-appropriate content
from which to choose. Try fantasy problem solving games instead of shoot-em-ups.
- WATCH for warning signs of video game addiction. Stop obsessive
playing before it gets out of control. Find the MediaWise addiction survey at
mediawise.org for more information.
- DO NOT PUT video games or
computers in kids’ bedrooms. Putting consoles and computers in family areas
make it easier to monitor playing time and content.
- PLAY and
ENJOY games with your kids. Online games are constantly evolving. Be sure to watch
or play with your kids as they advance in any game, so you can monitor content
and connect with your kids.
- TALK with your kids about griefers
(players who give other players a hard time online) and cyberbullying. Come up
with house rules of “netiquette” and follow through with consequences
if these are broken. Encourage your kids to talk to you if they see inappropriate
behavior online.
- MEETING online gaming friends requires adult
supervision. Your kids may feel quite close to other gamers they meet online.
Remind them that these people are still strangers and that it isn’t safe
to meet them alone.
- SET clear house rules around Internet/game
use and time. Require that homework and chores be done before playing.
- DISCUSS teamwork and good sportsmanship with your child. Kids can learn
great lessons in collaboration and teamwork in online games. Discuss the value
of being a respectful and positive team player. Ask about what they’ve learned
from the other players on their team or in their guild.
- ENCOURAGE
your child to play with friends “off line,” away from the computer.
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