We’ve come a long way since kids sat at desktop computers playing “Pong” or
“Donkey Kong.” New generation consoles like the Xbox 360 and Playstation 3 not only allow
gamers to play increasingly realistic and technologically advanced games but also allow
them to join forces with players all over the world through online gaming services. These
services take the best that social networking has to offer and integrate it with gaming
environments. What you get are online spaces where gamers can build friend lists, join
together to form teams, live-chat with one another online, stream music, share videos, create
avatars, and order Games on Demand.
More and more, game play is a highly social activity—albeit a virtual one. Digital
technologies offer increasingly realistic and engaging virtual worlds for kids to explore.
Some of these games allow kids opportunities to learn how to collaborate with team mates
and gain 21st century skills like problem solving, critical thinking, and analysis. When adults
are involved, these games can be a healthy part of children’s media diets. Other games,
however, are filled with violent, sexually explicit content that kids are immersed in for hours
on end. Here are some tips to make sure game play remains a positive part of family life:
- Set clear rules about when, where and how much game playing is allowed.
- Consistently enforce the rules.
- Watch the clock and set limits on game time.
- Require that homework and chores be completed before game play.
- Follow the ratings. If there are no ratings, try playing the game first to make sure you are
comfortable with the game’s content.
- Use only trusted, age-appropriate sites. Young kids should not be socializing and
downloading games from sites dominated by grown-ups.
- Talk to your kids about online etiquette and cyberbullying.
- Make sure your kids understand not to share any private information online or meet a
team mate unless they are accompanied by a parent.
- Ask your kids about what games they are playing and who they are playing with online.
- Play games together as a family! Complement game time with screen-free activities!
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