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Online Video Games: How They Will Affect Children

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Social scientists have known for decades that mediated messages have a strong impact on children, something that’s true whether the content comes from a TV program or video game. The good news is that parents have a lot of control over the factors that determine whether the impact is positive or negative. Here are some ways video games impact children, along with advice for parents.

Enforce Limits on Game Time

Video games are fun for children, and stir up a child’s competitive spirit. It’s this I-can-beat-the-game mentality that can make video games downright addictive. Because children have low self-control, it’s imperative that parents set time limits on game play and enforce them. This will help mitigate the addictive nature of video games.

Promote Educational Games

Whether you have an Android tablet or an iPad, you can download applications for educational online games that your kids can play. Make sure they are age appropriate — not too easy and not too hard. Giving your kids access to these kinds of games will entertain them and teach them new skills.

Discourage Games with Inappropriate Content

It’s up to parents to make sure their kids don’t access online video games that contain sexual or violent material. Utilize parental warnings and ratings to decide what’s appropriate based on your child’s age and maturity level. Young minds may not be able to distinguish between what’s appropriate in the context of a game and what’s appropriate for interactions with people. When they’re with friends, they may act out some of the violent scenes they encounter while playing online games.

With careful monitoring, you can allow your kids to gain the benefits of online game playing. You can also reduce the potential negative influences these games can have on young children.

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Do Video Games Rule Your Kid’s Life?

If you let your kids play online video games, then they will almost certainly encounter some content that you would not approve of. On the other hand, if you don’t let your kids play games online, then you run the risk of ostracizing them from friends that regularly meet online to spend time together. What is a parent to do?

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Get Active in Your Child’s Interests

You don’t have to become one of those parents that tries to be hip and cool around your kids, but you can get involved in the online video games that interest your child. That way, you can make educated choices about the entertainment your child enjoys. Your kids will also know that you have the ability to eavesdrop on them if you want. The mere threat often does the work for you

Restrict Games to Specific Times and Places

Only allow your children to play online games in a public room of the house. This will allow you and other family members to keep an eye on the game’s content. Also, set aside certain times of the day for online games. This will help your child keep a balance in his or her life instead of becoming obsessed with a game.

Find Entertainment in the Real World

If you are wary of online video games, then show your children that the real world offers more excitement than the virtual one. Take them to ball games, go exploring in the woods, and take weekend trips.

What strategies have you used to limit the negative effects of video games in your child’s life?

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Is It Good for Kids to Play Video Games?

Video games have a bad rap for making kids lazy and violent. Yet, this has not been proven and there are actually some benefits to video games if parents monitor the use and the games that are played. So what are the benefits of video games? There are actually physical benefits to playing video games.

Video games can increase coordination and increase mental activity. The types of games that the parents provide their children will determine exactly how much benefit a child can get from the games. There are games that are actally educational games that will benefit a child academically. The new systems are now allowing kids to become active in actually acting out activities such as bowling, baseball or tennis. These games like the Wii system can help kids who may have just been spending their entire time sitting doing nothing but wear their fingers out get up and actually become active.

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Should You Buy Your Young Child Game Systems or Computers?

As your child gets older their requests go from the doll or toy race car to an iPod or a laptop. Should young children get such luxury items, or are they necessities in today’s society? It would probably depend on who you ask as to the answer to that question. Many individuals from older generations are going to say they are luxury items not necessary for a young child, while someone from a younger generation may have a different opinion.

Individuals in their 30′s and 40′s would probably have mixed feelings. These individuals grew up in a rapidly changing time where they can remember not having a lot of technology, but as teenagers the technology was being developed and first introduced. Therefore as a generation we were just as fascinated with the gadgets and the new products that came along. We can remember the excitement of the original Atari video game systems and having to go to a store to play it because our parents couldn’t afford the system and was addicted to Pac Man, Kangaroo, or Donkey Kong. Now things are so much different but we are still just as fascinated. So when things come out and our kids ask for them, we want them just as much.

The key is to teach your children responsibility and that they have to earn the items they receive. It is never a good idea to just give children anything they ask for without requiring them to do something to earn it, even if it is just them cleaning their room.  We all remember wanting something as a child and often repeat the actions of our parents. Make sure you show responsibility if you choose to buy game systems or computers for your children.

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The Truth About Gaming Addiction

There are many different types of addictions, and some may surprise you. There are addictions out there that have nothing to do with drugs or alcohol. For example, there are technology addictions like video gaming addiction. Most people really do enjoy playing video games. The invention of new types of video gaming systems such as the Nintendo Wii have made it easier for older and younger generations alike to experience the benefits of gaming, including exercise and entertainment. While video games and video gaming can be fun as well as entertaining, the truth is that they can negatively impact a person’s life when the enjoyment becomes an addiction.

Do you know what you can do to determine whether or not someone has a gaming addiction? Do you know what steps you can take in order to curb an addiction to computer gaming or video gaming? It is important to know that you can find the information that you are looking for through a resource site like the Rehab-International.org. This type of rehabilitation facility is designed to help people address a wide variety of different types of addictions, and they can help you come to understand how gaming addiction works as well.

The gaming addiction problem is only becoming worse due to the recent explosion of websites surrounding online gambling. Gaming addiction is appearing to really mature online. At this point, it has become even more difficult to spot someone who is addicted to online gambling because the characteristics are different from people that are addicted to regular casino gambling and online gaming can be done away from crowds in your own home. Video gaming addiction can involve any type of game from shooters to World of Warcraft and other massively multi-player online role playing games. It is important to consider all the evidence when admitting whether or not you have a gaming addiction problem.

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Best PC Video Games

When you read about video games you often think of Xbox, Playstation or other gaming systems. Yet, some still love the world of PC games. So what are some of the popular PC games at this time or even of the past decade? Are there good games out there or do you have to have a gaming system to enjoy the various game titles?

Edge listed a top 100 list of PC games since 2000 and there are some very interesting titles. Some you may remember playing and some that are still available to entertain you and your kids. The number one spot goes to The Sims.  This game has had a variety of spin-off games, but it is still considered the best selling PC games of all time. There are several other titles in this series that have made it into the Top 100 list.  Other games on the top ten of the list include some old favorites World of Warcraft, Age of Mythology, and even Zoo Tycoon. The top 100 also has a variety of games from Atari Arcade Hits to Halo Combat Evolved.

Of course there will always be individuals who will have their favorites and disagree with the placement of some of the video games on the various best of lists. Many of the video games that are available for gaming systems are also available for the PC. So, just look for the PC logo on the video game box to determine whether it can be played on your computer. What some may consider the best may not be what you do, but take time to try some of them out and you may be surprised how fun they can be.

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Online Gambling Addiction

Online gambling is a major addiction for many adults, but even kids can get in on gambling. Many parents would not think that their children could access online gambling sites, but it is easier than you think. Therefore, it is important to monitor what your children are accessing on the computer.

The Federal Trade Commission stated that it is easy for a child to get to online gambling sites if they can get access to a credit or debit card. If this should happen the risk that not only could the child become addicted, but they can cause major financial damage to the family. Monitor credit card and debit card statements to ensure that there are no unauthorized charges. This should be something that is done anyway to protect yourself from other unauthorized access. Gambling is also illegal for minors.

It is important if you find that your child is gambling to counsel him or her about the dangers of gambling. They may be unaware of the consequences and simply think it is no more than a harmless game. Therefore, education is very important. There are counseling centers for gambling addiction that can be found online or even in your own community. If your child does not believe that it is illegal you should may want to see if your local police would consider giving your child counseling as a warning.

Online gaming is a growing industry and this includes online gambling. The gambling sites are not going to go away and are very easy to find. Make sure your child understands the dangers of gambling and how much trouble can go along with participating in online gambling. It is your responsibility as a parent to guide your children and mentor their behaviors. If they see that you are online gambling then how can you fuss at them for doing the same. Gambling can be very dangerous for some due to the possibility of addiction. Do not risk your family for something like online gambling and teach your children the same lesson.

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Violence in Video Games

One of the main complaints by many parents about video games is in regards to the amount of violence that is contained in many of the current titles. Violence seems to be everywhere and it is very difficult to protect our children from exposure to violence. Video games are no exception. Yet, you can do your research to find out what video games are appropriate for children and which are not good games for your child to play.

Parenting.com has a list of ten violent video games to avoid for your children. These video games include Medal of Honor, Call of Duty, Fallout: New Vegas, Castlevania, Assassin’s Creed: Brotherhood, Dead Rising 2, Halo: Reach, Naughty Bear, Mafia II, and the final game on the list is Kane and Lynch 2: Dog Days. These games all have a high level of violence. Some have a great deal of profanity and sexual content. After reading the reviews it makes one even wonder if they are appropriate for adults.

There is no way to completely shelter your children from the worst aspects of the world, but you can try to educate them about violence without providing games. The debate about whether violence in video games can make children violent will continue to rage on, but as a parent one should use appropriate judgment as to what you allow your child to view and play. Children must be taught about the difference in fantasy and reality and it is up to the parent to provide a proper role model to follow. Although the games are violent and intended for adults often they find their way into the hands of children. This means that parents should be supervising what is being played. If you as a parent play the video game and cringe at the sight of what you are playing then it is definitely not appropriate for your child.

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Educational Games for Children

Parents often worry that their children will fall victim to mindless video games. Yet, some games can actually be educational for children. If parents monitor which games their child plays they can actually help their child learn. Granted some games should be relaxing fun without mind bending problems, but if you can make education fun for your child you can help your child want to learn.

Arcademic Skill Builders is a free site that is dedicated to helping to make math, language and geography fun. On this site you can find games to teach addition, multiplication, division, even fractions and ratios.  Other games include spelling bees, Word Frog, and geography games like Penguin Hop. The site is geared toward younger children who are in the process of learning the basics in the areas of math, language and geography.

Gwen Dewar, Ph.D. has an interesting article on Parenting Science that argues both sides of the debate on whether educational video games are actually helpful. Apparently there is evidence that some can be very beneficial, but a parent should be careful of poorly designed educational games. The article does contain links to what Dewar suggests to be good educational video games for your children.

When getting a video game for your child it is always a good idea to play the game yourself to ensure that the game is appropriate for your child. Many parents blame video game manufacturers for the corruption of their children, but parents are ultimately responsible for making the decisions on the games that are bought. Even if you give your child an allowance and let them select games, you should still monitor their selections. There are a variety of resources that have reviews of video games. Taking the time to do research and playing the games yourself can help make sure that your child is getting the best education while having the most fun. Take the time to spend playing the game with your child to make sure they enjoy the game, and if not why and what they would prefer so you both will be happy.

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Building Customer Satisfaction

So you’ve just started a business. Congratulations, you are going to drive the economy into its next great boom. But you are not going to do so all by yourself, using nothing but grit and great customer service like they did back in the old days. In this day and age, a business that tries to keep things old fashioned is a business that is born old and dies young. Even ancient businesses like Procter and Gamble have gotten things together on the technology front and repositioned themselves as modern powerhouses in technological innovation, as well as in their respective specialties. You can establish the same kind of culture in your business. You just need the right attitude, the right people and the right kinds of technology.

First off, you want to build customer satisfaction and a great team. Make sure you select team members that work well together. That isn’t a rule, it’s simple physics. An established company is like a nuclear power plant, but a startup is like an atom bomb – make sure everyone works well together. In the same vein, do not be afraid to dump disruptive customers. You are most likely still trying to find your niche, so any customer who gives you a bad feeling may not be the kind you are aiming for. Just make sure you identify who is who as quickly as possible.

When it comes to the use of technology, it gels very well with people. People who are not comfortable with technology are simply not right for modern businesses. And the best way to hire them is through posting ads on sites such as Craigslist, which allow people to be proactive in their application process. You can also expand your marketing online to find great customers by generating and developing leads through YouTube and Facebook. To retain customers, there are many things that you can do including online surveys to see what they like and dislike about your company.

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