Berlin  - Parents are advised to test out their kids' computer games themselves. It's the best way for adults to judge which games appeal to their children and whether or not that should be a source of concern, according to Claudia Lampert of the German Hans-Bredow Institute for Media Research.

Additionally, learning about their computer games can make it easier to start conversations with children. It's much better than saying things like "You're playing those dumb games again," which kill off any conversation and increase the attractiveness of a game.

Always think of the consequences before buying a game console. It's often only after the purchase that parents notice how much appeal the games have, says Lampert. (dpa)