- last post: 01.01.0001 12:00 AM PDT
Posted by: B3OWULF
I've said this before, but most parents these days view TVs, computers, and video games as electronic babysitters for their children, hence their strategic positioning within their children's bedrooms. They think, "I don't have to wonder where little Johnny is, he's up in his room, so what's the harm? I can go do what I want to do." No parental involvement like there used to be when I was that age.
The Halo series of games are rated M, and I understand that parents make a judgment call about this sort of thing. But XBox Live is another issue entirely. Most parents think they're allowing their children to play together with their friends over the Internet, not exposing them to language, racism, and behavior NO ONE should have to see/hear. As FemmeFatale pointed out, this is no place for a child. Again, lack of parental involvement/understanding is to blame.
It's a good thing that there are at least a few of us who find the fact that children are playing Halo online...troubling, to say the least. You sound like a great mom, FemmeFatale, and I'm glad there are people like you!
Thank you, B3owulf. I don't claim to be perfect, not by a longshot. But what I do claim to be is a caring, informed, involved mother. Always have been, always will be. I play Halo (and quite a few other Xbox/360 games) right along side my kids. I do it because I enjoy the games, and it also has the extra added benefit of showing them I care about what they're up to and that I am interested in them as people and what they do. I take great pride in knowing that when they're having a conversation about something in a game, I can join in with intelligent comments about it. My sons' friends are constantly telling them they have a cool mom cuz she plays XBox and actually isn't half bad at most of the games either!
[Edited on 09.13.2007 8:48 AM PDT]