Video games: playing it safe

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• What are video games?
• Playing it safe
• Benefits of playing video games
• Problems of playing video games
• What about violence in video games?

What are video games?

Video games are electronic, interactive games that come in many forms: CDs, DVDs, internet downloads and online games. They can be played on a personal home computer (PC), television or portable hand-held device. Some games are controlled by a separate joystick or console, while others use the computer keyboard and/or mouse. Many games (including those online) can be played by several people at once.

The big name brands for video games are Sony PlayStation, Microsoft Xbox and Nintendo.

Playing it safe

The best way for your child to learn from video games is when you play together. An added bonus is that you’ll spend some time with each other and have fun! Here are some ideas for making the most of video games with your child.

• Set ground rules of one hour: aim for this recommended daily screen time for children under seven or eight.
• Moderate: aim for balance in your family activities, so that everyone has a go at physical activity, creative activities and interactive social games. Work together to prioritise indoor play time, outdoor fun, homework and time spent with friends.
• Get involved: ask your child to show you how a game works – it’s the best way to tune into what your child is learning. Make a mental note of the kinds of games your child enjoys and finds challenging. So if your child is really enjoying a game about dinosaurs, for example, you can broaden his knowledge by finding books or movies on the topic.
• Discuss: talk to your child about the games he is playing. Find out what your child likes or dislikes about the games and ask what he would change or add to make them better. This will develop his analytical and critical skills.
• Be informed: read reviews of the games you think might be suitable for your child. Make sure you carefully read the blurb on the game’s cover. And don’t forget to check the game’s rating - games rated G or PG are more likely to suit young children.
• Borrow before buying: if possible, borrow games from a library or a friend before making a purchase. You might find that your child isn’t interested in a particular game, or you don’t approve of the game’s content or concepts.
• Choose games with learning value and positive messages. Ideally, games for kids should:
  • explore real, day-to-day activities
  • reveal fantasy worlds in creative, imaginative ways
  • teach that playing fairly is better than winning
  • provide opportunities to take turns and play as a team
  • have multiple levels of difficulty, so the game can evolve and your child can progress through its stages
  • be interactive, and involve decision-making and choice, giving your child an increased sense of control and independence
  • be played by several players
  • not feature violent heroes.

Benefits of playing video games

Video games can have developmental, social and educational benefits, but these depend on the game’s content, the amount of time spent playing the game and whether the game involves solitary or group play. 

Problems of playing video games

Moderation is the key. Most risks associated with playing come from prolonged use. The more common physical side effects caused by prolonged use are:

• eye strain
• headaches
• repetitive strain injuries (RSI).

A very small number of game players have experienced epileptic seizures, and changes in heart rate and blood pressure.

Unregulated gaming time can lead to obsessive behaviour, because some games can be addictive.

Social and emotional effects
One negative effect is a reduced capacity for empathy in children, especially boys, who play violent video games for long periods of time.

Children who are unengaged or unenthusiastic about group activities and classroom instruction tend to be attracted to the solitary nature of video games, adding to antisocial tendencies.

What about violence in video games?

Recent research tells us that playing violent video games can lead to adverse affects in the short term and long term, including increased aggressiveness. Here are some questions you can ask yourself when considering a new video game:

• Does the game involve some characters trying to harm others?
• Is the harm rewarded in any way?
• Does harm occur frequently in the game, say more than once or twice in 30 minutes?
• Is harm depicted as humorous?
• Are non-violent solutions absent or less fun than violent ones?
• Are realistic consequences of violence absent from the game?

If the answer to two or more questions is ‘yes’, it’s worth considering the lessons being taught by the game before going ahead.

Studies have also shown that children are less likely to play violent video games and behave aggressively if their parents are more involved in their play time.

Video game ratings
Games are classified by the Office of Film and Literature Classification (OFLC) using the same classification system as films and videos:

• G rating: there is very mild violence in games rated G. Content with this rating is produced for a general audience. However, it’s important to check out games with a G rating yourself.
• PG rating: parental guidance is recommended for content with this rating. These games are generally appropriate for children older than eight, and are accompanied by a standard description of violence or sexual content.

Talking with your child about violence and games
Research tells us that talking with your child about games is a strategy for reducing negative impacts. Here are some questions you could raise with your child about violent content in video games:

• Why do video games sometimes have violence, and how is real life different?
• How are men and women and people from different ethnic backgrounds portrayed in these games? Are women always victims? How often are they main characters?
• Is it a good or bad thing to be a bully?

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