At what age did you start to allow your child to play video games?

March 22nd, 2008 | by Michael |
child play
KAT asked:

My love for 4 years to play them and he 's not bad really theirs. But my husband thinks that should not play. Play fantasy, role playing ones.

  1. 19 Responses to “At what age did you start to allow your child to play video games?”

  2. By applecrisp on Mar 27, 2008 | Reply

    I think that is young for that kind of game. My children who are 9 and 6 started playing around 5 (my 3 year old does not play) They still only play sports or racing games. I don’t even like my husband playing fantasy or role playing games.

  3. By jennanderton2006 on Mar 29, 2008 | Reply

    my son is four and not allowed to play them we prefer he was active and not a mindless zombie

  4. By almistro_2007 on Mar 29, 2008 | Reply

    haaaaaaaaaai’;
    what name?

  5. By mom2camnchloe on Mar 31, 2008 | Reply

    My son got his “video game” this Christmas and he is 3. Of course it is a V-smile so it’s educational video games.. He’s learned addition easier by playing it. I give him a 20 min. slot of time each day where he can play it if he wants to (each game lasts about 5 min. and somedays he plays it and some days he doesn’t.

    I am not going to introduce him to the sports/violence/simulation of PS or Nintendo until he hits an age where he fully understands that what happens in those games isn’t real.

  6. By nora w on Apr 1, 2008 | Reply

    Well it’s hard to say me and my husband are big gamers. But they do have games for early childhood that’s more educational . But there harder to find. When my kids hit the age of 6 to 7 we started to let them play rated E games. But it depends on you. I don’t let my kids play the role playing ones. It’s hard enough for them to realize what’s real and not by watching t.v.. And my oldest is 11.

  7. By alikilee on Apr 2, 2008 | Reply

    Limit is time on video games at this age to those that teaching games like V-Tech or Leapfrog.
    Imagination is still key for child development. Now adays it seems that nothing is left to imagination.
    Many today think that childhood obesity is also a result of TV and video games.

  8. By Barbara C on Apr 4, 2008 | Reply

    I allow one game for my oldest two boys, that is Mario Kart. It is non violent. I don’t allow any others, just because they are still too young to distinguish between fantasy and reality. They started when one was 5 and one was 6. That is how old they are now. We use it as a reward. They go to a private school that gives stamps each day that they behave. If the boys get all the stamps all week, then they are allowed to play for a while on a weekend morning or when we get back from church. Also if they get straight A’s on their report card, then they get 3 hours to break down over the following weekend to use whenever they like. This of course only happens every 9 weeks, so it isn’t that bad. I limit the time though, it is very addictive, my 21 month old loves to watch the colors and the movement, but I won’t let him play unitl he is older as well. I think moderation is the key. I wouldn’t let him play fantasy role playing ones though, unless it is completly harmless, no final fantasy, or 007, things like that, they can’t seperate that from real life, then they imatate (spelling? sorry) the games in real life and could hurt someone or them selves. Good luck

  9. By Colette B on Apr 7, 2008 | Reply

    I let my 3 year old play the Playstation and now at 7 he cannot be beaten. You must limit the play time and watch him play to make sure the content is not inappropriate.

  10. By Crystal on Apr 10, 2008 | Reply

    I think so long as the game is age appropriate for your child (no bloody gore games, or too much violence) is fine.

    In this day & age everyone seems to get more overprotective of their children & panicking they’ll be obese & such… Just make sure your child goes outside to play. Get them interested in a sport or hobby that keeps them active & I guarantee in time they will be eventually spend their days being more active & playing outside rather than video games as they age, or atleast divided between them.

  11. By Colleen O on Apr 12, 2008 | Reply

    My daughter was about eight or nine. But I limited her time on the electronic devises. One hour a day. Four year olds need to be active and outside playing not turning into couch potoatoes.

  12. By njnowell on Apr 12, 2008 | Reply

    When that depend what type of video game he is playing.
    It’s one of kiddie fantasy, role game, education game or the animation with funny cartoon stuff. Then 4 is OK
    My nephew play all the time.

    But if fighting, rude word and more for older kid then no don’t let him. Then I’m play these one LOL.

  13. By sublimechik22 on Apr 12, 2008 | Reply

    My daughter is 3… we got her a Vsmil for Christmas, she loves it. And it is very educational.

  14. By Yvette D on Apr 14, 2008 | Reply

    I have three year boys and my two older ones started pretty early playing video games……I was concern that maybe it was not healthy for them playing these game systems so early on but their doctor assure me that some of these games can help with developmental skills…..If he’s good at it, Let him Play!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

  15. By zombie2wolf on Apr 15, 2008 | Reply

    My daughters won’t be playing video games. But my sons will probably start at age 3 or 4. No I don’t have kids yet.

  16. By Amelia on Apr 16, 2008 | Reply

    I don’t think they ever should play video games. Kids now days are just lazy.

  17. By CMWAR on Apr 20, 2008 | Reply

    I’m not a big fan of video games or T.V. for the kids - I much prefer for them to play outside and be active. But I think as long as you monitor how much time your child plays the video games it doesn’t have to be a problem - and maybe get your son some more skill building games. My daughter was 10 and my twins were 7 when they got their first games - we got them gameboys.
    Talk to your husband, find out what his concerns are, and compromise.

  18. By Katy on Apr 21, 2008 | Reply

    i would let a child that young play only the educational game system that came out recently…but i would say that 9 or 10 for the adult games would be a good age.

  19. By janelle w on Apr 24, 2008 | Reply

    it dont really matter how young they are these days as long as they get outside and get some exercise as well and learn that they need time away from computers and tv

  20. By babycakes on Apr 26, 2008 | Reply

    my son is 3 years old and has a gameboy advance!! he loves it!! and he does know how to play with it and it amazes me how he realizes the buttons that he has to push!!! it just depends on how the child is!!!

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