Post: Avoid Violent Games This Shopping Season
Avoid Violent Games This Shopping Season
Leland Yee, a child psychologist, vocal video game critic -- and a California Senator-elect -- warned parents and other caregivers about the dangers of buying violent video games for their kids this holiday season.
“Eighty-seven percent of children between 8-17 years of age play video or computer games and about 60 percent list their favorite games as rated M for Mature, which are games designed for adults,” Yee said in a statement released yesterday.
“It is vitally important that parents and grandparents consider the content in video games before making holiday purchases," he said. "Regrettably, the rating system alone cannot be trusted, so parents should also carefully watch the content included in all their children’s games.”
So what should parents do? Yee advises parents look for games that require creative thinking and group play -- and avoid those first and third person shooter games. For more of his tips, read his complete statement.
Need more specific suggestions for your gift list? Check out Common Sense Media's picks for age-appropriate game titles in our holiday round up.