Document Type : Research Paper
Authors
Abstract
The purpose of this research was to study the significance of creating video game
rating system from Iranian parents’ point of view. To study this significance, we
studied extensions of governmental mediation in video game reproduction and
distribution. We also explored the extent of parental supervision on children video
game behavior. Through in-depth interview from 5 parents we extracted common
categories of parental mediation pattern, parents’ point of view toward video game
rating system, and parents’ point of view toward game effects. Based on extracted
common categories and literature in parental studies we surveyed 230 parents.
One of main results of this study proves that from Iranian parents’ point of view, it
is highly essential to create video game rating system. However, they were also
concerned with objectivity during formation of any video game rating system. There
is some incongruence between governmental mediation and parents’ expectations to
be informed on how to mediate in their children’s video game behavior.
Due to lack of various mediation mechanisms in Iran, limiting time spent on games
is the most common pattern in parental mediation. Enthusiastic parental category in
point of view toward video game rating system is also popular. Most Iranian parents
have a negative view toward video game effects on their children. They also believe
in the strictest way to prevent all their young children from accessing games with
higher age label.
Keywords
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