To play or not to play. That is the question. More than 90 percent of kids today entertain themselves with video games. How much is enough and what should you know about the games your child is playing?

Video games can be fun and help your child develop skills. They can also take away from time that kids should be spending on homework. One study found that teen video gamers spent 40 percent less time on homework and 30 percent less time on reading.

Stay on top of the game
As a parent, you need to set the rules and keep an eye on your child's activities.

• Set limits. Reduce play time during the school year; keep the focus on school work. Be clear that homework and chores must be finished first. Extend weekend play time as you see fit.
• Avoid letting kids play video games before bedtime. Nighttime game-playing can make it harder for your child to sleep and can trigger nightmares.
• Monitor play time. Keep the gaming unit or computer in a common area of the house. This way you can see what's being played and for how long. Make sure your kids take rest periods to give their hands and eyes a break. Always supervise younger children and limit their play time more.
• Encourage exercise. For most games, children are sitting. Make sure they get up and move often. Suggest a game of catch, shooting hoops or a bike ride.
• Understand video game rating codes. Ratings can signal strong language, violence or adult material. Review the rating codes and check other online reviews of the games.
• Preview the content. Parents should watch the game themselves to decide if the content is suitable. Is the game right for your child's age? Is it consistent with your values? Talk to other parents to get their feedback, too.
• Watch for any signs of addiction. A child can become addicted to the thrills of the game. Does your child "need" to play? If so, start restricting game time.

Not all bad
As long as you provide sensible limits, video games can stimulate children's minds and help them develop new skills. Potential benefits are:

• Computer know-how. Young children can improve their computer skills - a big plus for school work.
• Mental agility. Some games can make your child think, focus and reason. Others can promote memory and problem-solving skills.
• Coordination. Playing video games can enhance fine motor coordination.
• School readiness. Some games can help children be better prepared for school.
• Social skills. Games that involve several players will give your child practice in getting along in groups. Video games can also teach a child the value of being patient.
• Tension release. Games can be a helpful short-term distraction for children who are ill or stressed.
• Physical exercise. Some newer video games are interactive and require that the players get up and move.
• Creativity. Some games require imagination. Creativity is a good thing!

Lastly, all video games and no physical play make for a dull, overweight child. Encourage your child to read and enjoy outdoor activities with friends, too.

Related Articles Advertising's Impact on Kids Time to Turn Off the Tube? Cabin Fever Remedies for Kids

External Sources American Psychological Association. Violent video games - psychologists help protect children from harmful effects. . Accessed September 14, 2007 National Institute on Media and the Family. KidScore. A rating system by parents for parents. . Accessed September 19, 2007 American Academy of Child & Adolescent Psychiatry. Children and video games: playing with violence. . Accessed September 14, 2007 Cummings HM, Vandewater EA. Relation of adolescent video game play to time spent in other activities. Archives of Pediatric Adolescent Medicine. 2007;161:684-689. . Accessed September 14, 2007 Kaiser Family Foundation. Key facts: children and video games. . Accessed September 14, 2007 National Institute on Media and the Family. Effects of video game playing on children. . Accessed August 21, 2007

This article was reviewed and updated 08-01-2009.