More thought should be put into purchase of video games for children

As a frequent video game user I am concerned about people’s carelessness or lack of knowledge when it comes to video games and the age restrictions on them.

These age limits are put on the boxes of the games to give the consumer an idea on what age you have to be to purchase and play them.

These age restrictions are varied from three to 18, depending on the content.

There isn’t much thought put into the purchase of video games. People think that video games are only there to keep their child entertained for an hour.

However, some players get so engrossed in the games, that they feel the need to play them 24/7. This can happen to anyone.

In some cases young people are giving up real life football teams and activity and replacing it with an unhealthy virtual one they play on FIFA 13.

As we are coming up to the Christmas holidays a lot of children will be looking for the newest video games eg ‘Black Ops II’ or Hitman Absolution which are for people aged 18.

These should not be bought for anyone under 18 as these video games could have a massive impact on your child’s life.

Facts show that on average teenage boys spend about 15 hours a week on these video games and girls only 5.5 hours a week.

But during Christmas these figures rise significantly to about five or six hours a day.

For a more detailed account on the age restrictions and the meaning to the symbols look at the Pan European Game Information (pegi) website.

Please make an informed decision before you buy a gift for that special someone in your life this Christmas.

Adrian Carroll

Kiskeam

Mallow

Co Cork