Safer Game Play: Monitoring Children and Video Games

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By Rachel Derry
Staff Writer LIFamilies

For years, companies that make video games have been under severe scrutiny for making violent video games that may influence young players. Although parents should always be selective of video games played, experts say that it is not necessarily a matter of video games being good or bad. It is also in the child’s disposition and personality that may decide whether or not that new video game is okay for your child.

Just because a child plays video games on a regular basis does not mean that the video game is going to have a heavy influence on the child’s personality. Rather, it is exactly that, their personality, which will decide whether or not the video game will have any influence.

For children that have certain personality traits; such as moodiness, impulsiveness, and low agreeableness; video games can have a negative effect on their already off-putting personality traits. These children tend to have a noticeable increase in aggressive behaviors. A new study shows, however, that the violence is not the issue to be concerned about, but, rather, the competitive nature of the game that should be a concern. When comparing the effects of two games; one non-violent, but competitive, and one violent, but non-competitive; the effects of the competitive game (without violence) is instantly more noticeable.

A child can become aggressive, even violent, in nature when their position is threatened by competition. For children, the more agitating a game, the more stress a child will have put on them. Calm, whimsical games are suggested for children who have the desire to play.

Video game play is even suggested, in moderation, for girl children when played with their parents. When young women play age appropriate games with adults they are proven to have stronger family bonds and a high mental health.

The name of the “game,” so to speak, is not just moderation, but also monitoring. In our modern age of technology trying to completely cut it out is not logical; many schools even use educational video games in the classrooms via computer. Instead, monitor video game selections, children’s reactions, and time spent plugged in. With the proper balance of technology and personality, you will be able to overcome possible negative effects caused by game reactions, rather than game materials.

Long Island Technology Articles > Safer Game Play: Monitoring Children and Video Games