This Digest reviews research on the demographics and effects of video game playing, discusses game rating systems, and offers recommendations for parents. The Digest begins by discussing research on the time children spend playing electronic games, which shows that younger children's game playing at home (90% of fourth-graders played at least one hour per week, according to one study) decreases in favor of game playing in arcades as they get older. Studies also consistently show that boys play more electronic games than girls, although girls perceive themselves to have peer approval for moderate amounts of game playing, and both boys and girls enjoy violent electronic games. The Digest then discusses research on the effects of playing violent games. Studies tend to show an increase in arousal and aggression in subjects who have played a violent versus a nonviolent game, although there may still be insufficient laboratory research to support strong causal statements about the effects of violent games on children's aggression. The Digest describes research on other effects of electronic game playing, such as the link between heavy game playing or playing of violent games and self-concept. Following a discussion of two electronic game rating systems, devised by the Recreational Software Advisory Council and the Entertainment Software Rating Board, the Digest offers parents recommendations for managing their children's game playing. Recommendations include knowing the content and procedures of the games, paying attention to game ratings, establishing explicit game-playing guidelines, and educating children about the difference between media and real-life violence. (Contains 11 references.) (EV)