Born again moron asked:


Often times, I have noticed that strict households seem to prohibit many things, like eating anything unhealthy, going to parties(not beer parties), dating, playing violent videogames, not letting them watch anything not rated G. Then, you ask your kids to do stuff that is reasonable also, such as abstinence, safe driving, refraining from drugs, and telling the truth. It seems like the reasonable and unreasonable demands are then mixed in, and then they get involved in all that stuff since all those rules had made them so miserable.

Gail

Victoria asked:


Remember the days of Space Invaders and Centipede for Atari and Mario and Pouch Out for Nintendo. These games were simple and non violent, which is perfect for the family. However, the days of very simple videogames has come to end because now videogames are more sophisticated with graphics, technology, and even story lines. Some videogames have incorporated realistic violence and adult themes, which may be okay for adults to play, but no okay for children. This is why parents should research and test videogames before they purchase them for children.

Research Videogames

First, parents should conduct some research before they purchase videogames. The best method of finding up to date information is through the internet. Parents should look for videogame reviews by visiting popular videogame stores, videogames message boards, videogames blog, etc. to determine if the videogame has strong violence and types of adult themes. This will give parents a good understanding of a particular game; however, parents’ research should not stop here.

Test Videogames

Testing the videogame will give you insight on a particular videogame than only relying on message boards, reviews, and rumors. Parents will get first hand experience on the type of violence and adult themes. The best way of testing videogames is by renting them. At GameFly, you can rent and test videogames for your children. GameFly will send you videogames of your choice through the mail, so it is delivered right to your door. It is so easy and simple to test as many videogames you want.

Right now, GameFly is offering a free trial. You can start your free trial with GameFly Coupons and Game Fly Coupons for GameFly below.

http://www.onlinestorecoupon.com/ShopbyStore/gamefly-coupons.htm

After testing the game, you can make a better decision whether a particular videogame is okay for your children to play. If the game passes your test, you can even buy the videogame along with videogame book and videogame case for up to 50% less than other gaming stores. However if the game does not pass the test, you simply just put it back in the prepaid postage envelope and send it back to GameFly. Then, GameFly will send you another videogame to test for your approval.

By testing videogames, you will encourage your children to play videogames that are appropriate for their age groups.



Catherine

Emilyd asked:


Survey: Videogames Are Not Detrimental to Kid’s Academics

A new study has shown that videogames have no adverse effects on the academic performance of kids. The research, done by the Michigan State University, reveals that video games do not affect children’s math skills and may have a positive effect on visual-spatial skills.

The study monitored the academic performance of students from 20 middle schools in Michigan. The researchers compared the usage of online and offline video games that the students played in correlation to their academic performance. It found that the videogames helped the kids learn visually by reacting and thinking in terms of images. The children were able to develop key skills that would come in handy in various fields such as engineering, technology and science.

Parents Perspective

Parents may have encountered the good and bad side of videogames. Many parents who allow their children to play educational videogames from a young age have known their kids to be more responsive to them than while simply watching television. For example, videogames are known to increase children’s reaction times in response to stimuli.

Another advantage for many parents is that videogames can be used to introduce children to computers, thereby giving kids a head start for the future.

On the flipside, there are disadvantages to videogames too. Children who play age-inappropriate games may have a bad experience and react negatively to them. Some studies have also demonstrated that first-person-shooter (FPS) and other similar games may increase childrens’ aggression levels and desensitize them to violence.



Mark