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Research published on Yahoo! Voices in Feb. 2009 shows "more than three-quarters of American kids have video game consoles at home, and on a typical day at least 40 percent play a video game."

What about your family? Since we can't escape the fact the video games are here and likely to stay, parents need to arm themselves with helpful information. So let's examine the good and the bad.

Here's the good that can come from playing video games

  • According to an open forum published on kidshealth.org, "Some games may improve kids' hand-eye coordination and problem-solving skills."

  • KidsHealth also suggests, "Games that require kids to actually move or manipulate the game through their own physical movement can even get sedentary kids moving, though not as much as they could if they actually played outside or participated in sports." Others, though, don't have such benefits.

  • The published data on Yahoo! Voices also adds, "Some academic scholars claim playing games is good for literacy, problem-solving, learning to test hypotheses and researching information from a variety of sources."

  • In that same article it makes the point, "Some enthusiasts claim gaming is preparing young people for the knowledge-based workplace and may be good for understanding technical information."

Here's the bad

  • Some studies show that violent video games have been shown to increase kids' aggressive behavior.

  • Critics worry that it's making kids more socially isolated, less experienced in working with others and less creative. They keep kids from interacting socially with peers.

  • Overuse can cause kids to become sedentary and out of touch with the rest of the world.

  • Some say gaming is "not good for reading literature and understanding the humanities."

What parents can do

  • Limit the time spent playing video games

Sometimes parents seem to forget they are the parents and in charge. Kids don't rule, parents do. Parents need to take responsibility in this. Like a lot of aspects of raising kids, when it comes to video games, the healthiest approach is moderation.

"The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) recommends "kids spend no more than two hours each day on screen time - watching TV or movies, or playing computer or video games."

  • Be familiar with the games they are playing

The AAP recommends that you "make sure that he's playing games suitable for his age group. "All video games are rated and labeled by the Entertainment Software Rating Board. Steer clear of any rated 'M' for mature. Those are for ages 17 and older and can contain heavy-duty violence, strong language, and sexual content."

  • "Keep the video game console in family areas of your home, not in your son's room."

This is according to the posted expert advice on kidshealth.org. This keeps him connected with the rest of the family, and he can actually be part of what's going on. Also, it makes it so parents can be aware of anything inappropriate in the game. Take the time to watch it long enough to get a sense of what's happening on the screen. Take the time to join in playing the game with your kids.

  • Provide opportunities for your son to participate in other activities, including sports, socializing with friends away from the video games and expose him to cultural events that may pique his interest in music or the arts. In other words, create a life outside of video games.

A short list of good video games

News writer Aaron Shill recommends the following games as being family-friendly:

Here are more of his suggestions.

Education.com recommends the following as being appropriate and educational for kids:

Here is some more information about these games.

Parents need to go online and search out the games that are best for their kids. Just because someone else recommended it doesn't mean it's the right game for your kids. Talk to other parents for their opinions, then make your own evaluation for your family.
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