Parents Vote Games Worse Than Porn

Here is an interesting example of how many parents are afraid of kid oriented technology via too much negative media hype and not enough first hand experience. What They Play: The Parents Guide To Video Games surveyed parents and discovered that the majority of parents are more concerned about kids playing video games than they are about kids drinking or seeing porn. Their objection to games was based on the preponderance of publicity surrounding games that feature drugs, violence, swearing and sex.

Mike Goodman, of the Yankee Group, an independent technology research firm, says, “Gamers know the truth, but non-gamers are influenced by what they see on the news, and they think video games are corrupting the morals of our youth.”

The publication of this survey highlights the importance of parents to try to understand gaming from a kid’s perspective. It can only be fun for parents to get into gaming with kids who are already interested in it. It will help parents get a firsthand look at what kinds of games their kids like and will probably put their minds at ease about what gaming is all about. There are many games that are intended to stimulate imagination and critical thinking, they are typically widely played, and with a broad age base. Myst is one popular example.

There is a wonderful podcast episode for parents to listen to that was produced by Tech Talk For Families. In Episode 37 “Grand Theft Childhood”, host Dale interviews Drs. Lawrence Kutner and Cheryl K. Olson, co-founders and directors of the Harvard Medical School Center for Mental Health and Media and co-authors of Grand Theft Childhood. They talk about their study of kids and video games and their conclusions that most of what you’ve heard about violent video games and kids is wrong. They talk about what to avoid and what to watch out for. They also touch on the positive benefits of gaming for kids who have ADHD. Listen here>>

Distract Teens From Net Danger With Net Engagement

This is a guest post by Alex Steed who at 25 years old, is a product of the net generation. Since his teens, Alex has used writing to explore global social change movements and youth engagement. He is executive editor of MakeSomethingHappen.net, where he writes about online organizing and the power of collective action.

Paranoia is futile. Because I trust the network that helped raise me, as archaic as we will remember it in ten years time, I am excited, not scared, for a new generation of kids raised online.

Sure, my hyper-connected upbringing wasn’t perfect, and once in a while I am surprised I survived it. I had a couple of internet relationships that turned into ill-fated face-to-face meetings that were poignant learning experiences