What do kids have to say about the games they play? Common Sense Media is a good website where you can find out.
For every review, they canvas parents as well as kids. You can read what parents and kids have to say, as well as the professional reviewers from Common Sense Media.
It’s surprising to see how often the parents and kids agree! When it comes to Grand Theft Auto V, parents say it’s appropriate for ages 14 and up, while kids concede that 13 and up would be the appropriate audience. While I am personally not a fan of the GTA series, it was interesting to read the kids’ opinions on it.
“If your son and/or daughter have been playing M rated games for years and they’re still that kind, good, mature and successful boy or girl you’ve always known then yes, by all means get them this game!” says one 16-year-old reviewer. Most reviewers concede that the violence and sexual content of the games are problematic. Many also add that parents should know what their kids are capable of handling when it comes to controversial media.
“Don’t listen to any of the people saying it is okay for mature 12-year-olds. The game is meant for adults and old teenagers and stick by it. Buy it but not for a child or anyone under the age of 16-17,” another 16-year-old suggests.
Parents and kids agree again when it comes to Portal 2, a popular puzzle game. A group of teenagers with the Digital Youth Network wrote a long review of Portal 2 for Common Sense Media, in which they discuss what the game taught them.
“Puzzles are physics-based so the player develops an implicit understanding of ideas like force, velocity and momentum even if he/she doesn’t learn the terminology,” they say.
If you’re thinking about buying a new game as a present for a child, do check out the reviews on Common Sense Media. They have a great track record of providing diverse opinions. After doing your research, don’t hesitate to go a step further and discuss Common Sense Media’s reviews with the kids in your life!
(Source: Common Sense Media)
