This guide is for an adult purchasing video games online for a younger person. If you are not already a gamer, in your initial visit to any video game retailer online you would be overwhelmed - especially if you're new to gaming. Teens and kids with gaming addictions know their way around as it is. For the adult, the online video game store is an animated explosion. Much like the action figure section of your local Toys R Us.
First you must do your research before shopping for games online. There's plenty of information available about video games on the web, so to reduce frustration google 'video game information'. Alternatively you can visit the website you plan to purchase video games from, and search for games according to what system your kid(s) have. Video games systems are usually denoted by abbreviations. Here's a helpful chart to explain what all those abbreviations mean:
Wii = Nintendo's Wii System
PS3 = Playstation 3 System
XBOX 360 = Microsoft's XBOX 360 System
PC = Personal Computer
PS2 = Playstation 2 System
PSP = Playstation Portable System
DS = Nintendo's DS System
The key is to locate the system first. After locating the system it should be clear what games the store has available that work with that system. After locating the appropriate games section for the game system you are purchasing for, take a look at the rating indicated on the game's cover (if the site offers a detailed enough picture) or in the information box. Alternatively you can go look up the ratings on the games official site. Find the official site by googling the title of the game. The ESRB gives each game a rating in an effort to allow parents to control what their children are exposed to when playing video games. Here's a reference for the abbreviations:
C = Appropriate for Early childhood
E = Appropriate for Everyone
E 10+ = Appropriate for Everyone aged 10 and older
T = Appropriate for Teens
M = Appropriate for Mature Adults
The majority of the time, illustrations on the covers and ads of the games you are purchasing do a wonderful job of exposing what the game is about. So if you see an illustration of a man holding a gun, chances are, there is gore and violence in that game--you might not want that for your child. I'd recommend making a selection based on the latest childrens and action/adventure movie releases. Kids love the new animated movies definitely enjoy re-living the best scenes from the movie, in the video game. If you can't find a game that's built from a movie that the child likes, try to find a game that centers around a popular animated or action program, or one that can be considered educational. If you still can't find one, point your browser to the nearest Blockbuster or Hollywood Video website. Usually they have a list of the latest releases. Use that list to compile your own list of games you would purchase for your kid(s). Then go back to the website that you intended to buy from and enter the games on your list into their search bar. If, on the other hand, you did find a game, you can purchase it at the given website.
Video Game Reviews For Parents
As a concerned parent:
1. Know the risks posed by video games and the internet. Even if a game is rated as safe on the box, very often, downloadable and alterations to the game online turn the game dangerous. Ratings are not based on alterations and download. So educate yourself everyday.
2. Use the US Department of Education's Parents Guide to the Internet (http://www.ed.gov/pubs/parents/internet/index.html) and other websites like Child Safety on the Information Highway.
3. Set down strict gaming and internet rules. Monitor the sites your child uses and learn how to use parental controls offered by Windows and other systems.
4. Play the video games yourself so that you have hands on experience.
5. Allow the children to play video games with only known players. If you are unsure of what kids may be doing at a friend's house, drop in unexpectedly and check on them.
6. Gaming consoles like Xbox 360 have settings parents can use to protect their kids. Read about these at the Xbox 360 website. Read the Xbox code of conduct http://www.xbox.com/en-US/live/codeofconduct.htm .
7. Ensure that the kids understand they must never reveal personal information on the internet and that they must use “dummy” identities for play. Sit down with the kids and create fun ids for them.
8. Ensure that the kids do not use live chats or forums online. This would of course depend on how old the children are. Befriend your child/children so that they will come to you when they encounter strange happenings or foul language. Win the trust of the children.
9. Be in touch with other parents and exchange information on video games. Networking works well and several PTAs even have websites that give tips on video gaming.
10. Play time according to child development specialists must be a reward and not a right. Set down the video gaming time say 30 mins thrice a week or everyday depending on your personal choices. Do not permit gaming to be an addiction or obsession. If you notice any behavioral changes and you feel its gaming seek expert advice/help.
The responsibilities of parenting are constantly changing and are more demanding with developments in technology. Parents need to stay young and have a fingertip on developments in gaming, online activities, child safety and more.
Parents are always concerned about the well being of their offspring. Video games and the internet are good as well as bad. In order for gaming and the internet to be positive experiences you need to set rules that will protect your child and take certain steps to ensure your child is safe. The responsibilities of parenting are constantly changing and are more demanding with developments in technology.
Both John Ehimare & Timothy Rudon are contributors for EditorialToday. The above articles have been edited for relevancy and timeliness. All write-ups, reviews, tips and guides published by EditorialToday.com and its partners or affiliates are for informational purposes only. They should not be used for any legal or any other type of advice. We do not endorse any author, contributor, writer or article posted by our team.
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