facts from mediafamily.com

Effects Of Video Game Playing On Children

Positives:

Video game playing introduces children to computer technology.
Games can give practice in following directions.
Some games provide practice in problem solving and logic.
Games can provide practice in use of fine motor and spatial skills.
Games can provide occasions for parent and child to play together.
Players are introduced to information technology.
Some games have therapeutic applications with patients.
Games are entertaining and fun.

Facts:

The U.S. video game market reached nearly $10.5 billion in sales in 2005. with the projected world-wide market expected to grow to $46.5 billion by 2010 (BusinessWeek Online, 2006).
A recent report showed that 45% of heavy video game players and nearly a third of avid gamers are in the 6 to 17 year old age group (NPD Group Inc., 2006).
The Federal Trade Commission reported that 69% of unaccompanied 13-16 year-olds were able to purchase
M" rated video games from retailers (Federal Trade Commission, 2004).
Of computer and video game purchase in 2005, as reported by the NPD Group, 49% were "E" rated games, 4% were "E10+", 32% were "T" rated games, and 15% were "M" rated games (Entertainment Software Association, 2006).
A study of over 2,000 8 to 18 year-olds (3rd through 12th graders) found the 83% of them have at least one video game player in their home, 31% have 3 or more video game players in their home, and 49% have video game players in their bedrooms (Roberts, Foeher, and Rideout, 2005).
In the same study only 21% of kids reported that their parents set rules about which video games they can play, 17% reported their parents check warning labels or ratings on video games, and 12% reported they play video games they know their parents don't want them playing (Roberts, Foeher, and Rideout, 2005).

Negatives:

Over-dependence on video games could foster social isolation, as they are often played alone.
Practicing violent acts may contribute more to aggressive behavior than passive television watching. Studies do find a relationship between violent television watching and behavior.
Women are often portrayed as weaker characters that are helpless or sexually provocative.
Game environments are often based on plots of violence, aggression and gender bias.
Many games only offer an arena of weapons, killings, kicking, stabbing and shooting.
Playing violent video games may be related to aggressive behavior (Anderson & Dill, 2000; Gentile, Lynch & Walsh, 2004). Questions have been raised about early exposure to violent video games.
Many games do not offer action that requires independent thought or creativity.
Games can confuse reality and fantasy.
In many violent games, players must become more violent to win. In "1st person" violent video games the player may be more affected because he or she controls the game and experiences the action through the eyes of his or her character.
Academic achievement may be negatively related to over-all time spent playing video games. (Anderson & Dill, 2000; Gentile, Lynch & Walsh, 2004)

Questions to ask:

Is the violence rewarded or punished? What are the consequences? How graphic is the violence? Is the violence against humans or inanimate objects? Is the violence sexual?

Reasons children give for playing video games:

It's fun
Like to feel in control
Releases tension
Relieves boredom
Develops gaming skills
Feel a sense of mastery

Bottom line:

Many video games are fun and appropriate.
Violent video games may be linked to an increase in aggressive behavior.
There are many questions about the cumulative effect of video games, computers, and television.
Parents are urged to monitor video game play the same way they need to monitor television.

What to look for in choosing a game:

Be aware of advertising and marketing to children. Advertising pressure contributes to impulse buying.
Check the age ratings video game descriptors found on the box. Read other reviews (check Kidscore). Become familiar with the game.
If there are violence and sexual themes in the title and cover picture, you can assume these themes are also in the game.
Look for games involving multiple players to encourage group play.
Pick games that require the player to come up with strategies, and make decisions in a game environment that is more complex than punch, steal, and kill.
AVOID the "first person shooter", killing-machine games.

Video game ratings carry one of seven logos showing age recommendations:

EC (Early Childhood): may be suitable for ages 3+. Contains no material that parents would find inappropriate.
E (Everyone): may be suitable for ages 6+. May contain minimal violence, some comic mischief and/or mild language.
E10+ ( Everyone 10+): may be suitable for ages 10+. Titles in this category may contain more cartoon, fantasy or mild violence, mild language, and/or minimal suggestive themes.
T (Teen): may be suitable for ages 13+. May contain violent content, mild or strong language, and/or suggestive themes.
M (Mature): may be suitable for persons ages 17+. May contain mature sexual themes, more intense violence and/or strong language.
AO (Adults Only): have content suitable only for adults. May include graphic depictions of sex and/or violence. Adult Only products are not intended for persons under the age of 18.
RP (Rating Pending): Titles have been submitted and are awaiting final rating.
The games will also list content descriptors describing the violence, language, tobacco, drug, and alcohol use, and sexual themes and sexual violence in the game.

Tips for Parents:

LIMIT game playing time.
CHECK the age game ratings and descriptors on the box.
USE other content sources and reviews to help you choose a game.
CHECK KidScore for parent generated game reviews.
AVOID the "first person shooter", killing-machine games.
REQUIRE that homework and chores be done before game playing.
DO NOT PUT video game consoles or computers in children's bedrooms.
PLAY AND ENJOY a game with your child; check in as your child moves into deeper levels in the game.
TALK about the content of the games. Ask your child what's going on in the game.
EXPLAIN to your children why you object to certain games.
ASK your local retailer or rental store to implement policies preventing the sale or rental of M-rated (Mature) games to children or youth.
Finally, ENCOURAGE your child to play with friends, or other activities away from the video game set.