The National Institute on Media and the Family warns us of the dangers
in video gaming such as obesity, social isolation, agressive behaviour,
and the effect on a child's academic performance. There are
however some positives such as introducing youth to computer
technology, problem solving and entertainment. As with anything,
the institute recommends parents teach children about balance in their
lives.
Dan John is an independent co-owner of GameNow, a gaming store in
Mississauga. Dan has been playing video games since he could lift
a controller. His favourite game is still Super Mario Brothers
3.
Robin Benger is a veteran documentary filmaker in the Toronto
area. His documentary First Person Shooter produced for CTV shows
the brutal violence in video games along with the addictive forces at
work. The documentary also features Robin's son Griffen and his
journey to becomming a pro-gramer.
Richard is a serious gamer - but more than that, he believes he can see
a small fingerprint of God while doing so. Games such as SimCity
and other fantasy games give players the opportunity to exercise their
creative ability that God has given them. Ricahrd encourages
parents and grandparents alike to pick up a controller and play with
their kids.
***SAMPLE***
Video Screens Usage Contract
It is understood by the parties involved namely; mom, dad, (child #1)
and (child #2) that limits to television watching, game use and
computer use are not only healthy but necessary to maintain a balanced
mental, spiritual and physical lifestyle and harmony within our home.
Compliance with the following guidelines for television, game and
computer use is therefore mandatory and agreed to by all those who sign
below:
· All homework and assignments (including music practice
and reading time) are to be completed prior to using an
electronic game, computer or TV for recreational purposes (henceforth
known as ‘screen time’).
· Domestic duties must be completed and bedrooms must be clean and tidy before screen time use.
· The area of the house where screen time will be taking place must be tidy before screen time use.
· Monday to Thursday screen time use is limited to a maximum of one hour per day.
· Screen time on Fridays and weekends (Saturday and Sunday) or
holidays may be extended to a cumulative total of up to two hours per
day, not to exceed 6 hours over the Friday to Sunday period.
· Continuous screen time use of more than two hours is not permitted.
· Hours of unused screen time may not be banked.
Agreed to on this _________ day of _________ in the year_______ and signed by:
_____________________________ (Dad’s signature)
_____________________________ (Mom’s signature)
_____________________________ (Child #1)
_____________________________ (Child #2)
As we looked at the 10 billion dollar video game industry this week, I
was kind of relieved my kids were too old to have me fighting with them
for control of the gaming console. At listenuptv.com we’ve posted a
free online contract for you to consider for your family’s health –
courtesy of one of our writers, Patricia Paddey – she’s a careful mom
who figured out how to negoitate the healthy use of a Nintendo Wii and
other games with three young teens – and that contract is posted for
your use too. Check it out at listenuptv.com
At my age, I doubt
I’ll start gaming, but I’m young enough to remember doing that with my
husband when as newlyweds we used the Atari and Space Invader to
contest who’d have to do dishes. I suppose this video game discussion
comes down to balance. When chosen carefully in the context of a
overall healthy lifestyle, video games are fun.
But here’s the
spiritual twist. The designer of this life, God, created us as part of
a plan to live in community with others and to contribute to the care
and keeping of our world.
We can choose our leisure activies and
those of our children knowing the things we allow our minds to feed on
are the building blocks of our character and what feeds our souls. It
doesn’t hurt to evaluate if our video game consumption is a good
building block, or not.
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On April 30, 2005 Lorna was privileged to receive an honorary Doctorate of Christian Ministries from Canada's largest Christian university, Trinity Western University. Lorna was recognized for the witness and leadership that Listen Up TV has provided in public messaging: "a leader in the voice of evangelical life in Canada."
