For years people have complained and suggested that any video game use at all could cause harm to kids. Like complaints concerning television, every excuse from the cause of obesity to losing brain cells or the ability to turn someone into a killer have been cited as reasons why we should not let our kids play games. I have always believed that it’s not the system as a whole, but the games that you should censor.

The best thing that a parent can do is have an active role in their child’s choice of media. Just like you would stop them from watching a rated R movie if they were too young, you shouldn’t let them play a rated M video game. This doesn’t make the game wrong, it just means that a child isn’t ready to play it. There are a number of E (Everyone) or T (Teen) games that are suitable for kids. There are also a number of educational games worth looking at.

Now it’s being considered that video games are actually a good thing for kids. I have to say, I don’t think they are bad, but I don’t think they are great if all they do is play. In all things there needs to be a healthy balance. Find the games that are good for your child and let them play in moderation.

Yahoo!’s website, Shine, which reaches 10 million women each month, hosted the survey throughout June 2008. The study found that 87% of parents who participated in the survey are spending time playing video games with their children. “Family video game nights are becoming incredibly popular with the variety of games out there,” said Linda Fears, editor-in-chief, Family Circle magazine. “Parents and children of all ages are finding games to play together, no matter what each person’s experience level.”

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