Effects of Video Games on Children

Effects of Video Games on Children

Video games were first introduced in the 1970s and have now become an invariable source of fun and entertainment for children. This virtual world has become a place of fantasy, where they are rewarded for every game they win. Nowadays, they can be seen in almost all homes, with kids having their own individual video game consoles and play stations. There are basically five varieties including sports, general entertainment, fantasy violence, educational games and human violence. Extensive research has been conducted since the time of its inception to study the effects of these games on kids. “The results of these studies have shown that there are both good as well as bad consequences on children, depending on type of game they play and their level of exposure” 1. Let us look at the possible advantages and disadvantages of gaming on children.

Pros

Video games that have educational content are proved to have a positive effect on children. Such games make learning fun and entertaining. Even educational institutions encourage these games where children learn problem solving skills while playing. “Research has found that all games, including those that have violence need the children to think about ways and methods to reach their goals” 2. This teaches them the ability to plan and handle complex situations.

These games are interactive games where the child has to practice more and more in order to be the best. They go back to them again and again because it gives them a sense of achievement. Moreover, playing games helps in the development of their perceptual, cognitive and motor skills and ability.

Cons

Although these games have certain advantages, studies have shown some negative effects too. Various research studies have shown a relation between aggressive behavior and playing video games that have violence in them. “Indulging in games that have a lot of shooting and killing is said to increase the emotion of anger in children, leading to aggressive behavior in real life. Further, as their act of violence is rewarded in the world of gaming, they may become motivated to repeat it in real life” 3. These games hook the children to their consoles as repetitive playing and winning boosts their morale. They start feeling that shooting and killing are normal and do not even feel guilty about beating or clobbering siblings or peers.

There is also said to be a direct correlation between poor academic performance and playing video related games. Studies have shown that some children spend a lot of time playing games, thus ignoring their studies, resulting in poor scores at school.

These games have negative effects on the physical health of children. “Sitting for hours before the video game consoles can increase the risk of obesity, carpal tunnel syndrome, muscular diseases and as well as skeletal and postural disorders in kids” 4. Other more severe health effects include increased heart rate and high blood pressure.

To decrease the negative effects of gaming on children, parental control is very essential. Parents should keep a close eye on the sort of games their children play. When buying games for kids, parents should check the age limit mentioned on the cover. They should also avoid buying games that have too much violence in them. The most important thing that parents must observe is the amount of time their children spend in front of the video game consoles. They should not allow their kids to spend more than two hours in gaming.

Video games are definitely fun and entertaining and are also good for relieving tension. However too much indulgence can lead to addiction which can have physical as well as psychological effects on children.