Are Video Games So Bad?

Video games get a bad rap in the parenting world. Many times, they're characterized as an almost evil influence on our kids. Like most parents, I have been warned. Yes, I've heard that it makes our children lazy couch potatoes. Their brains will rot. That they're so violent it makes our kids violent.

As a mom straight from the first generation of gamers, I always look at these claims with a jaundiced eye. I'll admit I love video games. From Atari to the Wii, I have been a big geek of a fan since the beginning. I have happily devoted hours to playing more than my fair share of video games and, as a result, have a differing view on these evil time killers. I can see the potential, the good and the bad when it comes to video games.

Video games have evolved over these last few decades to include a wide range of gamers. Video games are not just for kids anymore. With systems like Nintendo's Wii and Xbox's Kinect, kids can get up and get moving off the dreaded couch. Educational games specifically for preschoolers and young children are everywhere. Now, instead of video games made specifically for young boys ages 8 to 16, games are made with the entire family in mind.

That's not to say that all video games are great for all kids. Just because it's a video game does not mean any kid can play it. Because video games now have a very wide consumer demographic, we have to take the time to consider each and every game carefully. That wide demographic includes adults now, too. Grand Theft Auto is not equal to Mario Kart. Pay careful attention to the ESRB ratings. You wouldn't let your 6-year-old watch a rated-R movie, so don't let him play a rated-M video game.

And what would be more important than you, as the parent, knowing ESRB ratings? Your children’s knowing the ESRB ratings! Set them up for some serious gaming success by teaching them what each symbol means and which ones are strictly off limits.

It's also important to remember that just because a well-known and loveable character is in the game doesn't mean that the game itself is appropriate. Super Mario Galaxy is rated E, but Super Smash Brothers (a game that includes Mario, Kirby and a host of other Nintendo characters) is rated T for Teen.

As wonderful as ESRB ratings can be, there's only one way to truly know whether that video game is right for your child. Play it. Play through a few levels before handing the controller over to your child. Almost every game has an opening video. Watch it. You may find the ESRB rating doesn't fit with your own judgment.

Gaming is not inherently evil. In fact, video games can be a great teaching tool for parents.

Goal Setting: Video games are filled abundantly with goals. Getting to the next level, solving the puzzle, working to beat the boss. These may seem silly at first, but are great lessons for life. This is where you come in. Talk to your kids about what you can do to set goals and how great it feels to reach them.

Dealing with Failure: Failure is the most frustrating thing about video games and life. Sometimes those levels feel like an impossible task. An insurmountable hurdle. It can be easy to just let your kid give up and shut it down. After all, it is just a game. Instead, take this opportunity to teach children how to manage their frustration and anger. Help them calm down and keep trying. Add lots of encouragement, and when they finally win, give them lots of praise.

Exercise: This might be the last thing you would think of when you think of video games, but getting physical while playing has never been easier. Even really young kids can get in on the action with games like Nickelodeon Fit. Get them moving and off the couch by using video games. And hey, why not use that system to help you get some exercise in too?

Family Time: The best thing about video games, especially family friendly ones, is that everyone can get in on the fun. Just like board games, use these video games for some family bonding time. Wii Sports is a great game for all skill levels and gets everyone moving. Look for games that fit in with each family member's skill level.

Educational Gaming: There was a time not that long ago when games with "educational" in the description were automatically synonymous with "lame." Not anymore. Somewhere along the way, educational games became fun. Now they even branch out into more artistic endeavors. Draw to Life and uDraw are a big step up from Mario Paint. There are games that teach math, science and even simple brainteasers.

Of course, you should still limit video game time. Too much of anything can be bad for your children. So keep an eye on the clock as you play. But don't eschew all video games because you heard they could be a bad influence or make your children lazy.

The real key to making video games work for you, is to spend some time playing them with your children. Yes, video games can be a solitary form of entertainment. The image of a child sitting alone on a couch in front of the television, soda in one hand and a controller in the other is not what you want. Playing these games does not mean you've given your child a one-way ticket to lazy-ville. Gaming can be, and often is, a social form of entertainment. Get in there with your children. Have fun, laugh, high five and take it to the next level together.

Kerry Chafin is a freelance writer and gaming geek from Independence.

ESRB Ratings

• Early Childhood (EC) Great for preschoolers. These are usually educational in nature and geared toward very young children. They work best for children ages 3 and over.
• Everyone (E) This is a fairly safe zone for kids 6 and over. In this category, the games may include mild cartoon violence. Many of the popular Mario games reside in this category.
• Everyone 10+ (E10+) The difference between E and E 10+ can be tricky for parents, especially those that have multiple kids between the ages of 6 and 13. Think of it as the difference between PG and PG-13. This category usually has games that would not be appropriate for kids below 10. So consider the age of all the children in the home when looking at these games.
• Teen (T) This is the category parents with young children should start to avoid. Anything T or above will not be appropriate. Games in this category are usually more violent, have crude humor, some blood or suggestive themes. These are categorized for 13 and above. Some games get the rating for Teen, but are still not appropriate for 13- to 16-year-olds.
• Mature (M) This is for people 17 and over. Here are the games that would be equivalent to a rated-R movie. They are graphic with blood and gore, sexual themes and bad language. I cannot stress enough that these games are not meant for any child.
• Adults Only (AO) You probably won't come across this kind of game in the store. Most retailers don't carry AO games, and the major systems don't allow AO games to be made for their consoles. The only time you should see an AO game in your child's possession is when they are living on their own.

Kerry Chafin is a freelance writer and gaming geek from Independence.