Kids love video games. It's true that some studies have shown certain video games can improve hand-eye coordination, problem-solving skills, and the mind's ability to process information. But too much video game playing can cause health problems.
It's hard to get enough active play and exercise if you're always inside playing video games. And without enough exercise, kids can become overweight.
Really overdoing video games also could affect other important things, like friendships and how well a kid does in school. And it's still unclear what effect violent and disturbing games have on a person's brain.
The video games industry is a sophisticated business - according to the Interactive Entertainment Association of Australia the local industry alone recorded sales of $925 million in 2006 - but many parents remain confused about what roles video games should or shouldn't play in their child's upbringing. Certainly the sheer number of conflicting media reports regarding their advantages and disadvantages can only serve to further confuse parents, who are
Reasons children give for playing video games:
-
It's fun -
Like to feel in control
-
Releases tension
-
Relieves boredom
-
Develops gaming skills
-
Feel a sense of mastery
Benefits of Kids playing Video Games
-
Video game playing introduces children to computer technology.
-
Games can give practice in following directions.
-
Some games provide practice in problem solving and logic.
-
Games can provide practice in use of fine motor and spatial skills. -
Games can provide occasions for parent and child to play together.
-
Players are introduced to information technology.
-
Some games have therapeutic applications with patients.
-
Games are entertaining and fun.
-
Video games are natural teachers. Children find them highly motivating: by virtue of their interactive nature. Children are actively engaged with them: They provide repeated practice: and they include rewards for skillful play. These facts make it likely that video games could have large effects, some of which are intended by game designers, and some of which may not be intended.
-
Video games have been shown to teach children healthy skills for the self-care of asthma and diabetes, and have been successful at imparting the attitudes, skills, and behaviors that they were designed to teach
Disadvantages of Kids playing Video Games
There are several well documented negative effects of video games on children's physical health, including obesity, video-induced seizures. and postural, muscular and skeletal disorders, such as tendonitis, nerve compression, and carpal tunnel syndrome. However, these effects are not likely to occur for most children. The research to date suggests that parents should be most concerned about two things:
1. the amount of time that children play
2. the content of the games that they play.
Some of the negatives:
-
Over-dependence on video games could foster social isolation, as they are often played alone.
-
Practicing violent acts may contribute more to aggressive behavior than passive television watching. Studies do find a relationship between violent television watching and behavior.
-
Women are often portrayed as weaker characters that are helpless or sexually provocative.
-
Game environments are often based on plots of violence, aggression and gender bias.
-
Many games only offer an arena of weapons, killings, kicking, stabbing and shooting.
-
Playing violent video games may be related to aggressive behavior. Questions have been raised about early exposure to violent video games.
-
Many games do not offer action that requires independent thought or creativity.
-
Games can confuse reality and fantasy.
-
In many violent games, players must become more violent to win. In "1st person" violent video games the player may be more affected because he or she controls the game and experiences the action through the eyes of his or her character.
-
Academic achievement may be negatively related to over-all time spent playing video games.
-
Simply put, the amount of time spent playing video games has a negative correlation with academic performance. Playing violent games has a positive correlation with antisocial and aggressive behavior (most researchers define violence in games as when the player can intentionally harm other characters in the game). Content analyses show that a majority of games contain some violence. A majority of 4th to 8th grade children prefer violent games.
-
Looking across the dozens of studies that have now been conducted on violent video games, there appear to be five major effects. Playing violent games leads to increased physiological arousal, increased aggressive thoughts, increased aggressive feelings, increased aggressive behaviors, and decreased prosocial helping. These studies include experimental studies (where it can be shown that playing violent games actually causes increases in aggression), correlational studies (where long-term relations between game play and real-world aggression can be shown), and longitudinal studies (where changes in children's aggressive behaviors can be demonstrated). For example, in a study of over 400 3rd--5th graders, those students who played more violent video games early in the school year changed to become more physically aggressive later in the school year, even after statistically controlling for sex, race, total screen time, prior aggression, and other relevant variables. Apparently practice does make perfect.
What Can I Do to help my Kids?
Many video games are fun and appropriate. Parents are urged to monitor video game play the same way they need to monitor television.Here are some tips:
-
Play with your kids: Don't be mistaken in thinking that you won't actually enjoy a video game targeted at children. Look for jnior games that are highly enjoyable, but still have a strong educational aspect. Racing and some adventure games are other genres that parents and children can share. While it is important to allow children to have their space and explore game worlds on their own, playing with them does provide a good opportunity to discuss games themselves and ensure they do not become completely "lost" in the game. Informed discussion of games will also help them distinguish the difference between reality and fantasy. -
Set ground rules: Balancing the time spent on video games with other activities is important. Set certain times of the day and durations that kids are able to use video games. Clear boundaries are an effective way to show your children that video games do not become their default activity of choice and that they are able to balance it with other activities. Help them understand that games should only be one aspect of a healthy lifestyle and that they may have other priorities to also deal with, such as homework.
-
Find out more about the games: If you are concerned about the content of a certain game, do some research. The internet and magazines are excellent resources for video game reviews, and while you may not be the target audience they will help you decide whether you feel they are suitable for your child. Remember, only the MA15+ rating is a legally restricted classification so there is no substitution for your own knowledge.
-
Swap and rent: With the cost of each game, a smart way to play games is to rent them first or swap them with other parents before deciding you may want a copy of your own. In addition, your local video store will be able to restrict your account so your children will need your permission to rent certain games (and movies).
With the growing trend of online gaming, parents are now faced with a new raft of issues. No longer just the domain of PC-based games, games are now capable of being played online through consoles like the Xbox 360, Nintendo Wii and PlayStation 3 so children may find themselves playing, and thus interacting with, older gamers. But parents can take comfort in the fact that each manufacturer has a number of security features in place aimed to protect young gamers.
What to look for in choosing a game
-
Be aware of advertising and marketing to children. Advertising pressure contributes to impulse buying. -
Check the rating symbols (on the front of the box) that suggest age appropriateness for a game and content descriptors (on the back) that indicate elements in a game that may have triggered a particular rating and/or may be of interest or concern.
-
If there are violence and sexual themes in the title and cover picture, you can assume these themes are also in the game. Avoid the "first person shooter", killing-machine games.
-
Look for games involving multiple players to encourage group play.
-
Pick games that require the player to come up with strategies, and make decisions in a game environment that is more complex than punch, steal, and kill.
More and more video games are now being released that involve direct physical involvement from your Kids. These games are not only fun, but help with your child's fitness and mental alertness. Don't forget to join in with your kids .... you never know what fun you might have!