A survey conducted on behalf of the BBC has found that "virtual worlds" can actually help children build and develop social skills, as well as being 'a "powerful and engaging" alternative to more passive pursuits such as watching TV.' Hah. Take that TV.

Whilst never quite managing to use the word 'game', the survey suggests that open online worlds, such as Adventure Rock, can aid children in rehearsing, and as such gaining experience of, situations they may encounter in real life. The survey goes as far as saying that youngsters should be actively encouraged to engage in these virtual worlds, to allow them to try things out in a basically consequence free environment.

So, if you let children play games that are designed for them, then they'll grow up happy, healthy and well adjusted. Well DUH!

If, however, you let a child of ten play a game rated 18, that contains scenes of dismemberment and sustained violence, then come round to my house to check my boiler, see me playing the game and brag about how your child has finished it and plays it online, then please do not blame games when your child does not grow up quite as you expected. Seriously, you're ruining it for the rest of us.

Source bbc.co.uk