Welcome to part 4 of “Raising Good Kids In An ‘R-rated’ World.”  If you missed the other installments they can be found here:

Week 1 – Television (Part 1) –  What do you watch?

Week 2 – Television (Part 2) – Did you see that?

Week 3 – Streaming Media and Guiding Principles

For the next few weeks we are going to look at video games and mobile gaming.  A 2012 report from Nielsen Research found that 56% of U.S. households own at least one modern gaming console such as the Wii, PS3, or Xbox (Nielsen via Engadget).  This number doesn’t include gaming via tablet, smart phone, or computer.  With the latest edition of the Xbox and Playstation coming out soon, this is a perfect time to look at video games and our families.

A few statistics…

Every year the Entertainment Software Association publishes “essential facts” about the video game industry.  The 2013 publication had the following statistics:

• 58% of Americans play video games
• In gaming households, there are an average of two gamers
• The average US household owns at least one game console, PC, or smartphone
• The average age of game players is 30 (32% under 18 years old, 32% age 18-35 years, 36% are 36+ years old)
• Gamers are 55% male and 45% female
• 35% of parents play video games with their children at least weekly
• Of the games released in 2012, 9% received an M (Mature) rating

I also wanted to find some usage statistics for teens, but they are a bit more challenging to find.  A 2010 Kaiser Foundation survey found that teens were spending an average of 9 hours a week playing video games.  A Harris poll conducted during the same period found teens were playing an average of 13 hours per week.  The same surveys found that teens were spending an average of 50 hours per week in front of some sort of screen.  That is a full-time job plus 10 hours of overtime for the average teen.  (Kaiser and Harris info)

Did you know that every few years an extreme gamer dies from dehydration, blood clot induced heart attacks, or other related issues?  Some extreme gamers participate in gaming binges and can forget to drink and eat.  Here is a 2012 story about an Ohio teen who was hospitalized after playing games for at least 4 straight days.

What’s the cost?

A good number of people reading this will probably have a child with an Xbox One or PS4 on their Christmas wishlist this holiday season.  The Day One Edition of the Xbox One retails for $499.99 and the basic Playstation 4 bundle will retail for $399.  Games for both systems cost $60 each.  Handheld games cost anywhere from $100 to $300.  Games for mobile devices like a smart phone or tablet can range in cost from free to $10 or $20.  Many mobile games can have in-app purchases as well.  In 2012 consumers spent $20.77 billion on gaming.  (ESA)

Beyond dollars and cents is the impact that gaming can have on our time.  I enjoy playing games but as I have gotten older and gained more responsibilities, gaming has faded in importance.  How many times have you been at a restaurant and noticed a family come in for a meal and they all hop on their mobile devices to play games when they sit down?  I see a family doing this almost every time we go out to eat.  In social situations with family or friends, do you whip out your phone to play a game for a bit instead of visiting and enjoying the people you are with?  Gaming can be a fun addition to our lives but it can also rob us of living in the moment.

Social Gaming

A growing trend for all forms of gaming is the social aspect of game play whether it is playing online with others on an Xbox, playing in a massive virtual world like World of Warcraft, or shooting sketches back and forth on a drawing game.  The social aspect of gaming can be fun and can build friendships and family relationships, but like most good things it can also become problematic.

More and more divorce cases are citing chat dialog from social games as evidence in extramarital affairs.  Several gamers that I know have received unwelcome messages from random opponents.  Voice chat for online games, like Halo, can be profanity filled.  Parents and children need to be aware of the language and other issues that can pop up as games become more and more social.  Remember that game ratings do not include the online content of the game.

Guiding Principle #2 – Honorable

Last week I introduced the idea of guiding principles that will prevail in decision making no matter what changes are made in technology or content.  The Bible verse I am using to teach these lessons to my children is Philippians 4:8.  Last week we talked about things that are true and this week we look at things that are honorable or noble.  There is a lot of television programming and other media content that feels like watching a train wreck.  People with lives that are a mess are glorified and documented, and we can’t seem to turn away.  I won’t name any specific examples but several networks that used to be dedicated to learning and the arts now promote this type of ‘reality’ programming.

We are raising our children to be honorable people who make good decisions.  This doesn’t mean that they can’t have fun or be silly.  People of honor try to make good, thoughtful decision whether someone is watching or not.  Is it true?  Is it honorable? Then think on these things and fill your life with these things.

Next Week…

Next week we will continue looking at video games, with a detailed look at mobile gaming the week after that.  Next week’s post will focus on the game rating system as well as a look at the latest research on video games and violence.  We will also take a look at the positive movement toward active gaming.

Before you go, don’t miss out on my latest worship guide for your family.  Spend some time with your kids worshiping God and learning more about Him.  Week 37 – Solomon Becomes King