Gaming Dangers

Many children spend hours playing video games and computer games. Some of the games are educational, and research has shown that they can really help students. But some are very violent and very sexual.

 A good amount of research has been done looking at violent video games. Violent video games can cause a child or teen to have more angry or aggressive thoughts. And studies have shown that children and teens who see a lot of violence in video games can also show more aggressive behaviors - that is, angry words, pushing and shoving, even violence. ¹⁰⁵

There is a rating system for video games that can help parents and teens choose games that are okay. Parents should read the description on the back of the box. Here are the ratings:

• EC - Early Childhood
  Parents should find everything in these games okay.
  
  
• E - Everyone
  These games are for children ages 6 and older. There may be some violence. It is usually cartoon characters involved in the violence. There may be some language that is mildly offensive.
  
  
• T - Teen
  These games are for teens older than 13. There may be violence. There may be strong language. There may be material that suggests sex.
  
  
• M - Mature
  These games are for persons ages 17 and older. They usually contain mature sexual themes, intense violence, and strong language.
  
  
• A - Adults only
  These games show sex and violence.
  
  

Parents should know what games their children are playing and what the games are rated.

Last revised: August 13, 2009