| Gaming is a part of modern life. Research | | | | together like sports, hikes, sailing and so |
| shows that children young and old game for | | | | on. Outdoor activities benefit children and |
| between 13 and 30 hours a week. It is near to | | | | help limit computer time. |
| impossible to keep children away from | | | | |
| computer or video gaming. | | | | 8. Ensure that the child grows up to be |
| | | | confident, understanding, curious, and a |
| When you cannot beat the system it is best to | | | | happy child. Keep a watch for unwarranted |
| join it in a "safe" way. Parents can educate | | | | secrecy, aggression, or violence. |
| themselves on the varied aspects of video | | | | |
| gaming by reading articles and tips on the | | | | 9. Use gaming to maximize your child's |
| World Wide Web. They can with knowledge make | | | | interest and choose games that need |
| every effort to ensure that their kids | | | | strategies and decisions. Minimize games that |
| receive a rounded upbringing. | | | | are violent and just involve shooting, |
| | | | destruction, and attacks. |
| Here are a few guidelines to help: | | | | |
| | | | 10. When you refuse to buy a game, explain to |
| 1. Always befriend your children and know the | | | | the child why and make them understand why |
| games they play. Study guidelines given by | | | | you discourage playing certain games. |
| the Entertainment Software Board and lead the | | | | |
| recommendations and appropriate guidelines | | | | Gaming can be beneficial and introduce |
| given on the content label of games. | | | | technology, problem solving, logic and |
| | | | spatial as well as motor skills. Games are |
| 2. Store in your computer as a favorite and | | | | known to heal too! Parents need to understand |
| keep abreat of game reviews and ratings. | | | | the pros and cons of gaming and allow |
| | | | children to play games that are beneficial. |
| 3. Network with other parents as well as | | | | |
| school and Y teachers. Share information and | | | | Be wise and limit time of playing video |
| observations on kids and gaming. | | | | games. Encourage children to play in groups. |
| | | | Make time to play the games with the |
| 4. Have an open relationship with the child | | | | children. Understand the games and use the |
| or children and promote a friendship and | | | | rating system as a guideline when purchasing |
| comfort level so that the child shares its | | | | a video game. Discourage children to borrow |
| experiences and fears. | | | | games from peers. If they do then encourage |
| | | | them to share with you what they have |
| 5. Be an observant parent and note any | | | | borrowed. Always make the effort of knowing |
| behavioral changes shown by the child. | | | | what the children are playing with. |
| | | | |
| 6. Be an informed and cautious buyer and | | | | The gaming industry cares about Genx and so |
| question claims made by gaming companies. | | | | has put into place testing systems and |
| Feel free to voice your opinion if you feel | | | | advisory systems to protect children from the |
| any game has objectionable content. | | | | detrimental effects of gaming. Use the |
| | | | internet to educate yourself on video and |
| 7. Give your child a rounded upbringing and | | | | computer gaming and learn how to protect |
| introduce many activities you can enjoy | | | | your children. |