Perhaps we should think about putting a warning on that Math book. The reason is this – Forbidden Fruit. Warning children that something is not good for them leads them to want it even more. Off-limits objects are demanded more according to a new study. 310 Dutch children were tested (ages 7 to 17). Fictitious game descriptions were read and then participants rated their eagerness to play the game.
The level of objectionableness of content was directly related to how much children wanted to pay it. Pediatrics March issue has published the findings. In the past ratings have been shown to increase the attraction people have for raunchy TV shows as well as movies. This, however is a new finding related to video games. The study’s authors include Brad Bushman and Elly Konijn.

The suggestions from the study include that children should not be allowed to buy games on their own. Risk factors associated with video games such as a drop in grades should be put in the limelight before parents. Classifications such as M for children over the age of 17 should be rethought. One wonders how this study correlates with the warnings on cigarette packs.