When Are Kids Old Enough to Play Videogames? 503
A piece at the MTV Multiplayer blog is exploring the issue of kids and gaming, wondering aloud how old is 'old enough'. A recent CES talk indicated that you should wait until at least seven to introduce your children to Mario, and we've talked in the past about the educational role games can have. MTV's Tracey John spoke to a pair of mothers who offered their own opinions on this topic: "When I asked Alisa why she thought that games weren't imaginative and explained that many games have challenging, puzzle-solving elements, she conceded a little but remained skeptical. 'Honestly, I haven't really explored video games thoroughly, and I'm sure there are video games that fit more the bill of something that I'd be interested in, but I'm kind of hard-pressed to find a game that's like reading a book or something like that. I understand the kids like it, so I allow them to do it; it's monitored but it's not my favorite thing for them to be doing.'" What's the right age for a kid to start playing games? Do you see games as more or less acceptable than traditional kid pastimes like TV or reading? Does it matter if the parents are gaming-savvy?
Re:They are old enough when... (Score:5, Informative)
It all depends... (Score:3, Informative)
I contend that video games don't harm cognitive development, but they (for the most part) don't help it either. Books, on the other hand, do. It's not so much on what's the appropriate time, but rather how much time is appropriate. I started playing video games at the age of seven, but my hours were heavily regulated by my mom, who (like the librarian she was) made sure that I was reading my quota of books for the week and getting my schoolwork done. On the other hand, if you're letting a seven-year-old frag away for five hours a day, then I'd really start getting concerned.
For those who disagree with my statement that video games do not help cognitive development, they don't. Cognitive science research indicates that students develop with "experience," experience being anything that a child experiences, from eating a meal to smelling something yucky to hitting a baseball to getting hit by a snowball to climbing a kitchen cabinet to get to the cookie jar that mom set down on top. Then, as a child learns words, they match words to experiences. If a child limits what they do every day to watching TV and playing video games, they don't get much opportunity to learn by doing. And for a child, tactile learning and feedback plays a crucial role in cognitive development.
When they can comprehend it is a game... (Score:3, Informative)
However, we do limit them. The most I have let one play is 60 minutes non-stop. Daddy does have to be mean and turn it off sometimes, even to the chorus of tears. Computer time is probably the first privilege they lose when they are disciplined.
They play on them in school. I have no issue with them understanding a mouse click or keyboard. Think of yourself learning how to use a computer. Now think of your parents learning the same thing. You probably had an advantage because you started when you were younger. I feel that if they are comfortable with technology now, they will be more able to assimilate it as they grow up.
I also let them play on the Wii. They are actually quite good at some games. The 5yo has a +170 average on bowling and can also post a decent golf score. I believe it helps their gross and fine motor skills, as well as get some exercise. Anyone who has boxed a few rounds knows what I am talking about.
Like everything in life, the key is moderation...
Re:ignorant (Score:3, Informative)
Not sure you used the best example here. [infocom-if.org]
As to your point, I think you're almost correct. They are different mediums and have different strengths and weaknesses. I don't think the original medium has too much to do with it. Bioshock would make an excellent book or movie imo, Metal Gear could make a very cool movie, and well, HHGTTG already did make a game that I know a lot of people enjoyed. There would be some changes, such as obviously a book about Bioshock wouldn't be "and then our hero whacked yet another splicer with his wrench, and another, oh, and another." for the entire book, but the story and setting overall could be very cool.
I think what the mediums are best for expressing are what make them pointlessly different to compare. Books more easily introduce you to better vocabulary, force you to use your imagination more, etc. TV can introduce you to new music, allow you to actually see new/different parts of culture with your eyes and hear them with your ears which is different from reading about them where your imagination could misinterpret them, and so on. Video games can do similar things to TV as far as what you can see and hear along with excercising your reflexes and coordination and excercising your problem solving skills.
Re:Correct Dosage, like everything else. (Score:2, Informative)
Clearly, you've never had to choose your own adventure. [wikipedia.org]