News: Panel Discussion Concludes Games Are Good For ChildrenPosted on Thursday, October 30 @ 23:41:56 GMT |
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 A panel discussion, hosted by The Entertainment and Leisure Software Publishers Association, on how computer games can be a force for good in today's society concluded that computer and video games can help children make friends, forge closer relationships with adults, and have a positive impact on their lives.
Held at BAFTA in London's West End, the discussion, chaired by journalist Mary Riddell, included experts from children's, religious and computer and video games groups, including:
* Martin Houghton-Brown, deputy director of new business, The Children's Society
* Mike Royal, national director, The Lighthouse Group
* Joseph Steinberg, Marketing & Fund Raising Director, The Church Mission Society
* Andy Payne, chairman of ELSPA
Martin Houghton-Brown, deputy director of new business of The Children's Society, explained that children now see gaming as a normal part of everyday life. Television watching is down from 3 hours a day to 2.5 hours a day since 2001.
"We now live in a digital age where the nature of playing games has changed. Now we have online games where interaction with others is possible. Children tell us supportive and loving relationships are key to a good childhood, we need to equip parents and carers to support children to stay safe when they play in the growing online world" he said.
Andy Payne, chairman of ELSPA, addressed the issue of violent computer and video games and the potential negative effect they could have on children: “Computer games can be violent but that is why there is an age rating system, PEGI, which gives parents the information to make their own decisions.”
He went on to say that the games industry's job was “to help people understand what the ratings are there for and enable society to do its best to protect children by relying on parents to make decisions armed with the information and understanding of the ratings system.”
Mike Royal, national director of the Lighthouse Group, which helps to educate children who have been excluded from school, discussed the use of playing computer and video games to talk about 'boundaries' with young people and what behaviour is good and acceptable, not only in gaming but other aspects of life.
He also said that gaming helps to build a dialogue with parents as well as children, especially with regard to the types of games children are playing. “The PEGI system provides a framework to help us support parents and educate them about the suitability of games, as well as providing clear guidelines on whether a game is appropriate for a specific age group” he said.
While the panel agreed that computer and video games can have a positive impact, they also explained that games must be utilised in the right way to yield the best results. Parental engagement and encouragement, as well as safe and social gaming, can help children develop and protect them in an increasingly online environment.
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Posted on Thursday, October 30 @ 23:41:56 GMT |
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