Tuesday, July 17, 2012

Age Restrictions And Computer Games: Yes Or No

By Jewel Chesson


Many parents have the problem of their kids wanting to play computer games that aren't age-appropriate. Parents can quickly get tired of hearing their kids plead "But I played this at Mark's house."

Age restrictions on computer games work much the same as the restrictions on movies. Age restrictions are based on the content of the computer game, so don't keep thinking that all games are harmless. Today's games are extremely life-like, and it is the level of nudity, violence and sexual content that leads to an age restriction. In particular, the gratuitous violence in many games is a cause for concern, as it is on television and in movies.

With the realism in computer games, some kids are more affected than others and can have nightmare and paranoia due to them. Also, kids might think that what they do on a computer can also be done in reality. This can lead to them entering into situations they are unable to handle, leading to serious consequences.

Computer games can also influence kids to be violent. They might think that doing some things in a computer game is harmless, when in real life, it could injure or even kill others. In computer games, you just shoot as many guys as you can, without thinking about what they are going through. The line between good and bad is drawn by the game, with no input from the player in terms of choices.

Of course, using the computer isn't all cons. Proponents will tell you that it improves their reaction time, mouse handling skills and so forth. But computer games do not push kids to use their imaginations, to think creatively, to make sensible choices, or live healthy lives. Sure educational games are advantageous, but spending too much time on the computer is never a good thing.

Some people might not be all for age restrictions, but they are made for the good of kids. As parents, you know that your kids differ from each other, so you are the best judge of their capabilities, and you should follow age restrictions when you can.




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