Griswold recommended that parents establish a time limit for playing video games. Ensure that homework and chores are finished first before video game playing can start. Also, suggest alternative activities that involve parents, siblings or friends. Parents should also approve video games before children play them. If the game cover and title indicates violence and sexual themes, parents can assume that the game will be inappropriate for children.
Ratings can help parents find age-appropriate games.
Often, video stores place video games in their own plastic covers. If this is the case, parents can ask the store clerks for information on ratings and age-appropriateness of certain videos. Parental monitoring is necessary to protect children from violent themes, Griswold said.