Active discussions

Meet the Other Phone. Flexible and made to last.

Meet the Other Phone.
Flexible and made to last.

Buy now

Please or to access all these features

Talk
News
Original poster

Do your kids play video games?

16 replies

tortoiseshell · 23/12/2005 15:45

interesting item - says 100% of 6-10 year olds play video games. I feel very strongly against ds/dd having video games in the house - how about everyone else?

OP posts:
IOTAnnenbaum · 23/12/2005 15:48

my ds's aged 6 and 4 are playing on the ps2 as i type

IOTAnnenbaum · 23/12/2005 15:50

lots of gamers are not about killing - -mine like car racing and snow/skate-boarding ones.

plus we all play Buzz (quiz game with 4 buzzers)

HRHQueenOfQuelNoel · 23/12/2005 15:51

DS1 - (5) is playing Destruction Derby on the Playstation 1 as I type

NomDePlumPudding · 23/12/2005 15:51

DSs (now 13.5 & 12) have had computer games/consoles since they were about 6 & 8. I don't really think it's a problem so long as they are playing age appropriate games (violence/language wise) and are not on them 24/7. There is a balance.

charlietherednosedpussy · 23/12/2005 16:04

My dds have been playing the playstation since they were about 2. They are very good at it and I think interacting with a computer game for a wee while is better than mindless tv watching all day.

wheresmyfroggy · 23/12/2005 17:12

i have not been without a computer/console since I was about 6/7 (am 28 now)

It's not done me any harm, my parents weren't overly strict about it when I was younger but I wasn't allowed to play on it all day every day

As for game content, there are lots of games aimed at younger children some of which require strtegy and problem solving as opposed to just mindless button bashing, I agree with charlie it's more stimulating than most TV

DanceOfThePeachyPlumFairy · 23/12/2005 17:15

DS's got a (second hand) ps a few weeks ago (they are 6 and almost 5, ds3 too young yet). I monitor all the games carefully (no violence- racing and Bugs Life at the mo, Spiderman comng for Christmas) and Dh plays with them most days. I think it's good- they self limit anyway (they get bored after 45 mins max) and as DS1 has AS, it is his 'time out' and that's why we bought it initially.

Enideepmidwinter · 23/12/2005 18:02

dh and I are both gamers (although not so much these days) so it doesnt bother me - having said that the dds are 6 and 3 and have no interest in playing anything yet - dd2 LOVES playing on the internet on the poissonrouge.com website though and has to be rationed.

I have bought dh a little plug in Namco retro game thing for xmas and I expect dd1 will enjoy having a go at pacman.

twirlingaroundthechristmastree · 23/12/2005 18:44

My dd is 6 and doesn't play video games.

I hate them! I would far rather she spent her time engaged in active sports, relaxation or imaginary play. I can see myself giving in to pressure when she is older but I am currently holding out!

And I would certainly limit time spent playing. There is little enough free time after school/activities anyhow.

MamaG · 23/12/2005 18:46

My DD is 6 and doesn't play any video games. I'm not that keen on them, to be honest, but as long as the games are age appropriate, I wouldn't mind her having a go.

RudolphsAuntMabel · 23/12/2005 19:16

isn't it supposed to be good for hand-eye co-ordination? so, as long as it's suitable for the age, and not too much of it, where's the harm?

Enideepmidwinter · 23/12/2005 19:17

dont think its any worse than telly as long as you keep an eye on how long they are doing it - they are addictive so you have to ration it I should imagine

TheholyGHOSTY · 23/12/2005 19:25

I actually think that telly is worse. When they watch tv they sit and do nothing. Research shows that while watching tv the metabolism slows down to be even slower than when they are asleep. When my DS plays on his computer his brain is active ....
We monitor it strictly though (max 1hr in 2 half hours slots per day and the same with the television). He also goes swimming 2x week, plays in a soccer team and a cricket team and spends a lot of time in the garden and playing with friends ... I think we have a very good balance.

Passionflowerinapeartree · 23/12/2005 20:29

Mine aren't in that age group a yet, but I hate them and will resist for as long as possible. They aren't interested yet though thank goodness.

nzshar · 23/12/2005 21:17

Well with a computer buff as a dp, an 11 year old dss with a ps1/2 and with all of us with our own pc's as well as a spare laptop in the house i dont think ds (18 months) has a chance to say no.

Games have their place as long as they are age appropriate and only for short periods then i see no problem in them. Or are they really the devils spawn as some would have you believe

Blossomgoodwill · 23/12/2005 21:23

Got my ds a gamecube when he was 7 and my dd who was nearly 6 also started playing on it.
Wish I hadn't as they are addicted to it!

New posts on this thread. Refresh page
Swipe left for the next trending thread