When should children be allowed to play video games? This is a difficult question with which many parents struggle and can be applied to many forms of technology (eg TV, computers, cell phones, iPod). Such questions are likely to grow thornier as technology advances and becomes more ubiquitous.
As a kid I grew up playing video games - from Pong onwards. I have always enjoyed and been fascinated by them. Even I have my thesis about the effects of video game violence on children. So, I have a lot of knowledge on this subject since I've played all my life, a psychologist who has studied their effects, and, now, a parent of two boys.
First of all, video games are not inherently good or bad - they are the only media such as TV, books, Internet, and so on. They should not be categorically vilified. Like movies and books, there are games that educate and enlighten, and there are games that encourage our primitive fascination with sex and violence.
There is very little research on the effects of the game on very young children, and correlational research is unethical because it would randomly assign a 2-year-olds were playing video games 2 hours per day or none at all. Children exposed to violent video games as part of the research experiment is, of course, is not an option. However, I have heard very young children, even infants, exposed to games like Call of Duty, Grand Theft Auto and Halo. I know for a fact that some children as young people between the ages of 3 and play such games.
TV, video games, and ADD / ADHD
brains of young children are developing rapidly and there are some studies suggest that exposure to highly stimulating media, like TV, can "wire" the brain of young children, to grow accustomed to the intense environment. Such children can become bored and inattentive when in a less stimulating (or traditional) environments - like listening to teachers lecture in class. Thus, there is a hypothesis (and some correlational studies to support) that children exposed to TV at a young age are more likely to be diagnosed with ADD / ADHD, as they become older. If you've seen some of those Baby Einstein videos, you know what I mean! Correlational findings between watching television at a young age, and ADD / ADHD is probably related to video games as well.
Video games like Brain Booster?
Looking at things from a different perspective, research on neuroplasticity indicates that the brain really is like a muscle that can grow in response to stimuli. Video games contain rich environments with many complex cognitive challenges that give brains a lot of work. There is a growing body of research to support the video game improves cognitive functioning in many areas. Video and computer games have been listed as one of the six known "brain amplifier" in the February / March 2009 issue of Scientific American Mind. Indeed, Microsoft is seeking educational benefits of a typical video game.
Online note, if I have to choose between my child watching Tom & Jerry or play Super Mario Galaxy, I encourage him to play video games because I think it is better to exercise for the brain than passive television viewing experience.
Since I grew up playing computer games, playing video games with my oldest son's dream in many ways. But it is also a Pandora's box. If I left everything to him, he would play video games until she fainted from exhaustion. Trying to set boundaries with him on playing can sometimes be a challenge. My biggest problem now is that his 2-year-old brother wants to join in the fun, and it's even harder to keep it away from the TV & Games. As parents of two or more children know, it's easier to set boundaries with her first child. Younger siblings are always wanting to do what big brother or sister does.
some practical guidelines
There is no clear answer to the question you need to allow children to play video games, but I would say that it is better to err on the safe side with limited exposure to various forms of electronic media at a very young age (under 3) with gradually increasing access as well as children get older. Even then, you should monitor and limit the exposure of children and checking to ensure that the content odgovarajući.Zabava Software Rating Board (esrb.org) is a great resource for this.
I think that video games, such as TV, should be seen as a privilege, not a right. Thus, children can get their limited access to games (and TV) only after you have fulfilled other responsibilities (eg, homework, chores). Also, you should consider the establishment of the aggregate of the "media time" limits to TV, computer (for recreation), and video games all fall under one hat. At that time the cap (eg an hour a day), children may decide they want to divide your time.
Perhaps most importantly, you should aim to serve as good role models for their children. If you are trying to limit your child's game, but then you're always on your laptop, watch much TV or keep it on for background noise, or play lots of video games themselves, what do you expect your child will want? On the other hand, if you are active in sports, go to throw the ball with their children, have many hobbies, read a lot, and so on, it will send a strong message to their children. Children often adopt the values of their parents for good or bad. By being aware of it and set a good example, probably will help your child stay on the path to personal and academic success.