Video Games Are a Force for Good

Video games can help children make friends, forge closer bonds with adults and have a positive impact concludes UK church and charity leaders.

Church and charity leaders took part in a panel discussion last Thursday on how video games can be a force for good in today's society. Hosted by The Entertainment and Leisure Software Publishers Association (ELSPA) at BAFTA in London's West End, the discussion included experts from children's, religious and video games groups.

Andy Payne, chairman of ELSPA, addressed the issue of violent video games and the potential negative effect they could have on children: "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."

Mike Royal, national director of the Lighthouse Group, which helps to educate children excluded from school, discussed the use of playing video games to talk about "boundaries" with young people and what behavior is decent and acceptable, not only in gaming but other aspects of life. He also said that gaming helps to build a dialogue with parents and children, "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."

While the panel agreed that video games can have a positive impact, they believe games must be utilized in a way that yields positive results. Parental involvement and encouragement, as well as safe and social gaming, can help children develop and protect them in an expanding online world.

Watch the full roundtable here: ELSPA

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