children and video games.

I don't think you can ever assume that a child will not blur the lines between games and reality, especially when the graphics are so lifelike, and they spend a lot of time playing. I think you should pay close attention to the ratings and don't let him play games that are rated mature. He may complain and tell you it's fine, but your job as a parent is to make the decisions you feel are best, not to do what your child wants you to do. The violence and mature content in some of those games are just not appropriate for young children, period. It doesn't matter if you think your son is particularly mature for his age. That may be true, but it does not mean he can handle things that are meant for adults, either cognitively or emotionally. I dislike all video games, even the so-called 'educational' ones. Any skills a video game claims to teach can be learned through other activities, and in a more appropriate and interactive way. For example, the dexterity people say you get from video games can be practiced by doing puzzles, and playing games like Operation. There is no reason any child 'needs' video games of any kind, least of all violent ones that are intended for adults.

I don't think there is a too young ( so long as their not chewing on the controller ). As for the type of game, that really depends on the kid. Mine have played stuff like Mortal Kombat, Cardinal Sin , Barbarian & such with me for years ( The system broke before I had to consider whether they were old enough for Grand Theft Auto ).

I think the age varies with each child. I don't think any age is too young to play video games at all. You can get all sorts of games for young kids. But the type of game would vary with each child. It is not the games themselves which cause problems as is some people's perception, it is the way the parents are. You decided to let your son play more violent games when you knew he could recognise the difference between fantasy and reality and I would assume that someone of that age who has been brought up well would know that you don't go around killing people in real life. I have an 8 year old who plays all sorts of things. He actually likes playing childish games so that's ok with me! But I let him watch certain tv programmes which some people would deem unsuitable because I know he's not going to copy or have nightmares about it or anything. I personally don't enjoy video games and never have but I think as long as they are limited as to how long they are used so that the games don't become the child's reality then it is totally down to the discression of the parents.

kids love them. I don't think it's harmful as long as they are not playing so much that they are not getting outside and playing and are not interested in friends and other activities. Moderation as with everything is the key. As for the violence, the cartoons i watched as a kid were pretty violent. If a kid can't tell reality from fiction, then the problem already was in the kid....it can't be blamed on tv or videos.

Playing times should be set at a particular time only and only after the chores and assignments are done...

I think the ratings on the video games are very important for us parents. Video games are not the same as they use to be. I remember when Coleco and atari came out! Those didn't need ratings but the ones out now sure do because of their violence and other mature material they contain. My son received some PS2 games from my brother and they were rated T for teens, and my son recognized this right away so he's familiar with these rating labels and knows what he should be playing and what he shouldn't be. I also think video games are getting kids less motivated with activities now also. My hubby and I usually limit my son to play for an hr after he's done his homework. I would suggest if you want to get a different game console, then I would go with the Nintendo Wii. Apparently you have to stand up and be more active with this rather than just sitting on your hinny and pressing buttons all the time, or get more games where you have to get active. I have the dance revolution games where it's more of a work out but at least they are doing something. Another bunch of games I have are the Karaoke Revolution and that teaches us how to sing. It's sort of educational to me. Hope this helps :)

It varies from child to child and home to home I think....My oldest boy played his first video game (Mortal Kombat) when he was 2 yrs old...Of course he didnt knwo what the hell he was doing but he and a buddy of mine had a blast together playing...My kids didnt get their first system until they were 4 and 6 and we've just progressed from there LOL They were playing violent games by the time they were probably 8 and 10 if not a little younger than that.. I think only each individual caregiver can really decide what is or isnt too young...There really isnt and shouldnt be a set age IMO...Just like we arent cookie cutter ppl, neither are our children ya know....

it varies you know..children nowadays are so smart..they learn at an early age..as early as 2yrs old..ive got a neice who started playing videogames at age 2..you cannot tell them not to play such things..you can only guide them on what games to play..games that can enhance their knowledge and not those unworthy ones..because there really are crappy games now..useless and no-brainer...so just let them be as long as you can still control them..like 1hour a day at most...and they should concentrate more on their studies too..just discipline them always..

My 5 year old son has been playing PS2 since he was 4. We bought it last year for his Christmas present. He was given leapfrog as a present before that and he now also has an Nintendo DS thanks to his Grandparents too. All the games he plays are mostly childrens games like Bee movie, spongebob squarepantis, surfs up, cars, pokemon and games like that, none of them violent or unsuitable for children. The only one we do have which was bought by my husband was Mortal Kombat and its mainly all fighting as you can turn of the blood and gory bits. He might have played that a few times but has since moved on from it. I do check all the games though and he is pretty easy when it comes to me saying that I don't think this game is suitable for him because of whatever. To me its another form of entertainment not only for him but for us as well. He only plays it when he has playdates over (which is once a week or every two weeks at most) and even then its probably just for 20 minutes at most then they are off doing other stuff. On the odd occasion he would play the games in the weekend with his Dad for about an hour or so and that's it. I really don't know how young is too young as I think its completely up to each parent and what they decide what is best for their children. I know my sister is very strict on her kids and only allows certain type of games to be played and they are only allowed to play it in the weekends. Each of us are different!

My 10 year old son and 8 year old son both love video games. They play all sorts of games. My six year old daughter likes the Wii and Guitar Hero on the XBox 360. She enjoys the more interactive games. They are all good students and they all play sports outside of the home. They are limited to the games that are allowed to play.

My son was given a PS1 when he was 2 years old. He was way too young to have one. He did have 1 Bob the Builder game that he played a few times, but it was just to frustrating for him at that young age. I put it away and he did not touch it again until he was almost 7 years old. I wanted to wait until he could really understand the games and how to play them before i let him use it again. He broke it several months ago and I got him a PS2 a few weeks ago. The games that he is playing are things like SpongeBob, Ben 10, Spiderman, Star Wars, and Harry Potter. He is not really interested in the other types of games yet, but I think that if he was I would let him play them.

My son has had a video game paddle in his hand since the day he could actually hold one. I really don;t see an age limitation just as long as you explain that what happens in the video game just isn't real. We play the games that you mentioned. He is also very much into the guitar heroes. Especially after all the toy recalls before christmas, video games and electronics seem to be the safest way to go actually with the young ones. Don;t have to worry about lead poisoning in a video game

My boys are 9 and 10. Yes, they play video games. I am careful to look at the rating. They have a few T games but mostly E 10 games. I do think it is important to set time limits on play or that is all they will do.

My children play video games. Some of the games I could not believe the contents. So you have to be careful in what they choose to buy or play. You may not have bought it but they have friends they can borrow from. I also have a 3 year old grandson that plays his daddys game and sometimes acts them out.