As modern parents, we have some very difficult decisions to make regarding our children and computers. On the one hand, we hear a constant criticism of the computer culture and its role in producing inactive children that want to sit on the couch and remain glued to a screen. But on the other hand, we know that giving our children a good digital education greatly increases their chances within today’s job market.

So how can we strike a balance?

There is no denying the simple fact that children learn a great deal while playing games. During play they learn new skills by role-playing, solving puzzles and copying simulations. The fascination that our children – products of the Digital Age – have with computers is simply a natural evolution whereby they move their play-time to a place they are more comfortable – the computer screen.

Henry Jenkins, the director of the Comparative Media Studies program at MIT in the US, has described computer games as “the most powerful learning technology of our age.” And our children would probably agree.

But not all games are appropriate for all children. Just as you would not leave your five-year-old watching a horror movie, so you also need to ensure that the computer games they are playing are appropriate too.

So with Christmas rapidly approaching, and a wealth of games out there, we take a look at some games that are appropriate for our children and what exactly it is that they can learn from them.

Toddlers have a great fascination with simple colours and sounds, so the animations on a computer screen can greatly stimulate them.

Games which can help teach the basics, such as the ABC, animal sounds and simple counting games are all freely available online. The link www.kiddiesgames.com/en/baby_games.php provides access to a varied selection of games that will keep your toddler happily amused on your knee, while also teaching them some important skills.

Allowing your child to press a button and see a response on the screen also gives them a feeling of interaction that is missing when they just watch TV. My daughter gets great pleasure out of hammering the keyboard to make animals pop up and using the computer also lets her feel that she is sharing something of “daddy’s world”.

Games that develop specific learning abilities, such as counting and word games, often have a central character such as Mickey Mouse or Dora. But even games which don’t specifically market themselves as “educational” can actually teach your children new concepts.

Often games follow a story format where the character progresses as puzzles are solved and obstacles are overcome. With a little adult assistance, children can learn a lot from these games.

Maths and reading skills are especially relevant for game-playing kids. Pause the game and ask them to count the objects on the screen. Older children can be engaged by asking them more complex questions such as, “OK, we just sold that jewelled helmet we found for 200 gold pieces. A new sword costs 150 gold pieces, whilst a new shield costs 75 gold pieces. Can we buy both with our money?”

One novel device worth mentioning is the Wii. This gaming console uses wireless controllers that can detect motion and translate it to movement on the screen. This can have children jumping about the living room as they play tennis. It also has a large number of family games available, including a fitness program that is good for everyone.

Interacting with and guiding your children during these gameplay sessions will not only help them to learn something, but will also enable them to enjoy the game more as it makes the concepts clearer and puzzle solving easier. And it will also help you find a common ground with your child rather than leaving them alone in their room playing computer games. By taking a step into their world, you encourage them to participate more in yours.

You are unlikely to leave your toddler alone with your computer, so supervised computer use should not be a problem in this instance. However as children get older, they also get more conversant with the technology and so don’t really require you to be around when they switch on and play a game.

To assist us parents in making sure our children are playing something appropriate, games have actually been rated for their content so we can make a more informed choice when purchasing them. The ratings show the suitable ages for the game. Thus games for toddlers will have a ‘3+’ rating, while games for adults will bear an ‘18+’.

There may be additional information on the themes portrayed in the game, warning if it makes references to items such as drugs or sex. Remember, just because a child is interested in playing a popular game, it does not mean that the content within it is appropriate for him. You wouldn’t take your child to see a violent movie at the cinema and you shouldn’t be letting them play violent games until they are old enough to understand that it is just a game.

The ratings we see locally are set according to the Pan European Game Information (PEGI) system, as most of our games conform to European standards. However, this system is not legally enforceable in Malta – in other words, a shop owner cannot be prosecuted for selling an ‘18+’ rated game to a 10-year-old.

There is a solution however, as most gaming consoles – such as PlayStation 3 – have a PIN system built in that allows parents to restrict the content shown on the console. This can prevent your children borrowing games from their friends and using them without your knowledge. Personal computers can also be protected by passwords.

We also need to address the issue of online gaming. Many consoles and all computers come with the ability to connect to the internet. This allows children to enter chat rooms and to communicate with other players online. And this means that supervision is vital.

So how much time should you allow your children to play on the computer? The American Academy of Paediatrics recommends about two hours every day, including TV time. And you should also encourage your kids to take regular breaks during computer sessions.

Computer games have a great deal to teach children and can be invaluable learning tools. But it is important to remember that they are just tools and that they need to be used under your supervision to obtain the best results. Don’t think of a computer game as simply a way to keep the kids quiet – rather think of it as a way to spend quality time with them and get involved in their education and development.

GAME RECOMMENDATIONS

Younger children

Peppa Pig Activity Centre

Designed to help children develop early learning skills in a fun and stimulating way and packed with exciting, colourful games and puzzles. Children will be entertained for hours in the company of this delightful oinking Pig. Available on PC, Nintendo DS and Wii.

Lego My World – First Steps

Introduces children to numbers, letters, music and art in a simple and fun format. Five characters, each with a different style of teaching, guide children through the four activity areas, ensuring that they learn in the best way suited to them. Available on PC. ‘

Juniors

I Spy Junior

This game engages children through six amusing and challenging areas with over 70 clever picture riddles, puzzles and games. Available on PC.

Farm Vet

This game teaches children about caring for animals and lets them treat and care for over 20 virtual farm animals. Available on PC.

Pokemon Link

Children can solve puzzles based on the ever popular Pokemon characters. Also has a two-player mode so that kids can play each other. Available on Nintendo DS.

Disney’s Sing It

Bring out a child’s musical side as they sing along to their favourite tunes from Hannah Montana, High School Musical and others. Available on PlayStation 3 and Xbox 360.

Older children

MySims

Allows children to explore a whole new world and use their creativity to improve the virtual world on their screens. Great for teaching problem-solving and the interaction of variables. Available on PC and Nintendo Wii.

Animal Crossing – Let’s Go to the City

A whole world to explore for children, while also allowing them to develop their creativity as they develop their own little space. Available on Nintendo Wii.

Little Big Planet

Create a customisable character and then create levels for you and your friends to play and share them online. Everyone in the family will enjoy this one. Available on PlayStation 3.

Source: Child Magazine, December 2008

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