When Are Kids Old Enough to Play Videogames?

Well, speaking from experience, playing from 3 is fine. even younger than that might be alright...

Basically, video games (the first I remember playing was Super Mario Brothers 3, for the Super Nintendo) gave me a reason to want to read. Even though I wouldn't really understand anything at the age of 3, it was always interesting to find out (kind of) what was happening.

Of course, much more came from me playing games. I started making them, and, although I am yet to finish a single project, learning to make games meant learning how to code, and now I can do a lot of things I never thought I'd be able to do.

Yes, video games have their negative effects on children. But if parents are that afraid they can always take away the console for an amount of time.

I may only be 12, but I know that the positive effects outweigh the negative ones (in my case, anyway).

But, who should really be saying what age is "right" to start playing video games? It is the concern of a child's parents and only them, at what age their kids should play video games (if at all).

I played pac-man when i was four and loved it. however, i never played often until i was about six and i discovered the wonderful game that was final fantasy vii. i have to say that that was what forced me to start reading though. Best to stick to disney movies/books until 6-7, but seriously, dont show a 7 year-old GTA. :thumbup:

my parents had the NES and atari before i was born, i basicly grew up playing mario.. but completely different than growing up playing grand theft auto..