Through the years, new technology brought television and video games. Cartoons transformed into graphic, life-like depictions. Everything from physical appearance to violence changed, but are we teaching war?

Let’s face it, violence flashes across the nightly news and video games are no exception. Before running to check on the kids, consider games kids have played for millennia. Cops and robbers teach kids the consequences of good and bad while endorsing guns, imagination, and exercise. Contact sports such as football and hockey promote hitting and sportsmanship. Many parents teach kids to kill animals, also known as hunting. In addition to real guns, there are BB guns and slingshots to consider. With so much real violence in our lives, why blame video games? Gladiators, guns, and general violence have been around forever. On the other hand, video games are a new invention that can improve kids’ skills and thinking.

Although some video games are violent, they do increase fine motor skills and problem solving abilities. Non-violent racing games develop hand-eye coordination. Strategy games have players choose situations and have real-life consequences. Adventure games allow children to find objects, complete jigsaws, and fine-tune development. Children need play and video games foster play and development.

There are steps parents can take to ensure the game is right for their child. Before buying, parents need to know the game’s rating and their child’s maturity level. Game ratings go from everyone to mature. Of course, younger children should play friendlier games than older children should. Maturity level depends on the child. How the child reacts is essential. Explain to the child what is happening and ask how they feel. If the game is too scary, put it away for a few months and then come back to the game. Most importantly, get advice from other parents.