Under what circumstances would you allow your teenager to drop out of school to play video games full time?

Question

For these "parents", all it takes is whining that school is a waste of time:

http://www.newsobserver.com/2766/story/1155589.html

He is now homeschooled, but I wonder how effective that's going to be for a young person who sees it just as more freedom to play video games.

So really, what would it take for you to agree to do this for your teenager?

Answer 1

It would take my child being a paid Beta tester or GM for a multi million dollar company in which he gains shares. There are online games that do this but not for teenagers. Video gaming does have financial benefits for those who know how.  I wouldnt allow my child to be homeschooled so they could sit and play console games all day. I certainly would make sure my child had a true education wether home schooled or in main stream schooling. But I wouldnt flinch if my child chose to play video games in addition to that. The sad fact is computers and video games have become some of the fastest growing fields in the economic world. And children who can work with them and complete an education will have an advantage. Im not talking mind rotting games like Pokemon, Mario Brothers, and GTA. But games like WoW, EQ, and LoTRO have become a wave of the future. And they do include steady earning potential as a player or a paid employee within the game.  

Answer 2

i wouldnt teenagers are too lazy as it is now days! sitting in front of a TV playing games all day is horrible for kids, teens, anyone!

a REAL parent who loved and cared for the well being of their kid wouldnt let something like that happen!

this kid thats on the news for dropping out to play guitar hero for a living doesnt have real parents who truly care for him! its unhealthy...very!

Answer 3

My child could quit school to play video games just as soon as he has his own home, can buy clothes, groceries, a car, pay bills and pay for his gas.  

I would not begrudge him of this activity and he would not begrudge me of not supporting him financially.

Answer 4

If my teen was offered a hefty salary to play video games, then go for it!    

Answer 5

Thats the dumbest thing i've heard of this week. I feel sorry for those people, that kid will be choosing their nursing home, and unfortunately, last I heard, playstation hasnt built one yet.

Answer 6

when he could also support himself at his new appt  

Answer 7

My children could play video games, all day, as well.  I am sure that at least one is good enough to compete.

I think that I could be supportive if they wanted to compete.  I would expect them to graduate high school.  I would also encourage them to complete a college education.  

This would be similar to being a pro athlete or professional skateboarder.  The person would need to retire due to age or injury.  If the person has no money saved, they may need employment.  Education would provide skills and some employment requirements.

Answer 8

I guess you missed the part where he was doing terribly in school and was unhappy? And also the part that said he is doing much better academically and socially now that he has a private tutor in his home?

Take the video games out of this situation and there would be no controversy (or stupid article with a misleading title). Who cares what he does after his schoolwork gets done?

Answer 9

Um, I AM a teenager, and I just want to say that I would be questioning my parents' sanity if they ever let me drop out of school for almost any reason...

Answer 10

What do they care?  The rest of us will have to foot most of the bill for two of their three kids when they end up on public assistance.

Who is judging that "he is doing better academically and socially;"  the parents?  They are obviously a sane source.

To teach children at the high school level, parents need to have working knowledge of a broad base of subjects.  Maybe they are wealthy and can afford quality tutors for this kid.  If not, he is not learning what other kids are and will be behind if he ever decides to try to go to college.