Video Game Addiction

Internet Safety
Overview / General Risks For Parents 8 Tips for Parents Blogs / Social Networking Cyber Bullying Guidelines for Parents IM / Chat Rooms / e-mail Online Enticement Pornography Dangers Video Game Information Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force Teens What You Should Know Kids & Teens Fun sites to visit For Everyone Basic Rules Family Friendly Links Presentations / Videos Presentation Schedule Missing Children Home Operation SAFE CHILD

Internet Safety

Overview / General Risks

For Parents
8 Tips for Parents
Blogs / Social Networking
Cyber Bullying
Guidelines for Parents
IM / Chat Rooms / e-mail
Online Enticement
Pornography Dangers
Video Game Information
Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force

Teens
What You Should Know

Kids & Teens
Fun sites to visit

For Everyone
Basic Rules
Family Friendly Links
Presentations / Videos
Presentation Schedule
Missing Children Home Operation SAFE CHILD

Video Games: What You Should Know

Computer and video games can be fun, entertaining and sometimes educational. Some games, however, contain violence, sexual themes and strong language. It is important for parents to know what games their children are playing, the rating and content description, and how much time is being spent playing games.

games on shelves

The Entertainment Software Rating Board (ESRB) has developed a rating system for video games. Ratings and content descriptions are on game boxes. There are 24 different content descriptions – such as animated blood, crude humor, and fantasy violence. Parents should know that it is difficult to fit all content descriptions into the defined categories.

Recent studies conducted on the effects of violent video games on children suggest that children can become more aggressive - both verbally and physically, held more pro-violent attitudes, had more hostile personalities, and were less forgiving.

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Ten Tips for Parents

CHECK game rating and read the description. Rent a game to preview before purchasing. Some major online games have ESRB ratings; others do not. Check out online reviews.
AVOID the “first person shooter,” killographic games. Instead, pick non-lethal games that require the player to come up with strategies and make decisions in a game environment that is more complex than punch, run, and kill.
LIMIT game playing time. (Recommendation: no more than one hour per day)
WATCH for warning signs of video game addiction. Stop obsessive playing before it gets out of control. Encourage your child to play with friends “off line” away from the computer.
TALK with your children about griefers and cyberbullying. Establish house rules of “netiquette” and follow through with consequences if rules are broken. Encourage your children to talk to you if they see inappropriate behavior online.
DISCUSS the content of games and explain why you object to certain games. Remember that children also play video and computer games outside of the home. What are the gaming rules at their friends’ homes?
SET clear house rules around Internet and game use and time. Require that homework and chores be done before playing.
DO NOT PUT video games or computers in kids' bedrooms. Place video game consoles and computers where it is easy to monitor.
MEETING online gaming friends requires adult supervision. Your kids may feel quite close to other gamers they meet online. Remind them that these people are still strangers and that it isn’t safe to meet them alone.
DON’T assume that other parents’ judgments on video games will be the same as yours. You may agree on some things, but maybe not here.

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Presentation

Video Games and Children
This presentation is intended to provide parents with information on video games that will enable them to make an informed decision about the type of games their children play and length of time spent playing them. Information is provided on the possible effects of video game play, the rating system established by the Entertainment Software Rating Board and safety tips.

View the video (23 min)

Video Games - What You Should Know (PowerPoint)

Printable PDF of Powerpoint Presentation (17 pages, 729kb)

Note: when this presentation is given live, it includes the videos listed below. These videos are not embedded in the downloadable PowerPoint presentation, but can be viewed independently here. Captioned [cap] versions are also available - see requirements.

In a Child's Words - Slide #2 - (0:30 min) [cap]
Virginia Tech - Slide #6 (1:05 min) [cap]
Video Game Addiction - BBC News - Slide #13 (2:16 min) [cap]
Bully - Slide #21 (0:42 min) [cap]
Obesity - Slide #33 (0:44 min) [cap]

MECC staff members are available to make presentations across the state about video games and Internet safety to parents, teachers and community groups. For more information or to schedule an appointment, call 1-800-FIND-KID (1-800-346-3543) or send an email to MissingChildren@dcjs.state.ny.us.

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