Video games can be fun and educational

If parents help select the right games for your family

Research has shown that video games that are violent can increase aggressive behaviors in children. That is why it is so important for parents to help chose video games that are appropriate to a child. Video games can be a fun, positive activity that the whole family can do together. Some games can be educational, making it fun for students and adults to learn about many different topics. Some games can increase physical activity. Games can improve problem solving and multi-tasking. Games can also encourage teamwork. Games can be a great way to socialize with others.

Video Games and Children:

A resource guide for parents
This guide was designed as a starting point for parents. It is meant to help parents to start to learn about the possible effects of some video games and where to find more information. Please review the resource section of this brochure to find more information.

There are many types of games available. The key is choosing the ones that are right for you and your family!

Designed by Cathy Eggleston For Heidelberg Universitys Graduate Studies in Counseling Program January 31, 2013

Rating Categories
EARLY CHILDHOOD Content is intended for young children. EVERYONE Content is generally suitable for all ages. May contain minimal cartoon, fantasy or mild violence and/or infrequent use of mild language. EVERYONE 10+ Content is generally suitable for ages 10 and up. May contain more cartoon, fantasy or mild violence, mild language and/or minimal suggestive themes. TEEN Content is generally suitable for ages 13 and up. May contain violence, suggestive themes, crude humor, minimal blood, simulated gambling and/or infrequent use of strong language. MATURE Content is generally suitable for ages 17 and up. May contain intense violence, blood and gore, sexual content and/or strong language. ADULTS ONLY Content suitable only for adults ages 18 and up. May include prolonged scenes of intense violence, graphic sexual content and/or gambling with real currency. RATING PENDING Not yet assigned a final ESRB rating.

Resources for Parents

www.esrb.org
Entertainment Software Rating Board. Provides guidance about games and apps. Offers tips for parents. Searches can be done about specific games or on ratings.

The Entertainment Software Rating Board

The Entertainment Software Rating Board, or ESRB, was developed to help families make good choices about video games. The ESRB developed a rating system to provide information about the content of the game. These ratings can be found on the cover of most video games or at the ESRB website. The ESRB rating system is much like the movie rating system we are familiar with. Movies today have different ratings to let parents know what is appropriate for their childs age group. To the left are the ESRB ratings for video games:

www.gamesparentsteachers.com
designed to help parents and teachers to start dialogs with children about specific games and to find the educational benefits behind the games.

www.commonsensemedia.org
designed for all media, for both parents and educators. Offers suggestions of appropriate apps for specific age groups. Gives detailed reviews of games

www.videogamesandkids.com/The ModernParentsGuidetoKidsandVid eoGames.pdf

a comprehensive guide for parents about video games and children. Includes topics such as frequent concerns, parental controls, conversation starts with children and what to consider in setting limits

***Ratings retrieved from ESRB.org