Computer Games and children

If ever there was an issue that polarised parents opinions it’s Computer Games.  Some of the questions that swirl around parents minds include;

• Should I, shouldn’t I
• What age should I allow it?
• How much time should they spend on it?
• Do violent computer games spill over into real life?

I can’t pretend to have the answers to these questions I think you need to treat every child and family on an individual basis.  But, based on my experience it might be worth laying down some ground rules.
Here are some rules that I think might be worth considering.

1. Never, never give a child a computer games that is beyond there age group. Do you really want a 10 year old playing something that is certified 18?
2. Take an interest in the games.  Computer games are not child care!  Talk to your child about the games, what’s involved.  If there is a shoot em’up talk it through.
3. Lay down firm rules and stick to them. Sticking to the rules is the difficult part.  It is important not acquiesce as soon you child starts crying when they have to stop.
4. Set a time limit.  Speaking to lots of friends I have found that letting your child spend hours in front of the TV will affect their mood.   Watch carefully.  Keep to the time limit.
5. Handing out treats or punishment.  Take great care not to place to great a emphasis on computer games for good or bad behaviour.   Giving it to them as a treat might build it up in their mind more than it really deserves.

The defence of the parent

I’ve heard numerous excuses over the years from parents justifying themselves for giving the child the games.  They range from;

• It’s good downtime for the child, after all they work so hard…
• It helps build their hand to eye co-ordination.  Oh dear, really?
• It keeps them quiet for a few hours.  Well at least they are honest!

Understanding your child and set clear boundaries in terms of content and time will help in keep a content family.  Their will be arguments along then way and it’s important to stick to your guns.

I shall leave you with this parting story from a friend.  They bought the ever popular Wii console for the family one Christmas with plenty of age sensitive games.  My friend noticed that the mood of the family changed over the next few days and her children were constantly arguing and requesting more and more game-time.  So what was once a contented family with few arguments had now morphed into something rather different.

The Wii didn’t last beyond christmas and was promptly sold on ebay.

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