The debate has been raging since around the time video games first came onto the scene – are video games nothing but trouble? With more recent developments in educational games for video game consoles, the debate has regained some fuel to get the burning issue raging again. The trick is deciding what impact video games may have on the brain, especially a young developing mind. The trouble may be there is still not enough research or reports to tell if your kid’s video games are causing damage or sharpening skills.
In recently released reports, a small group of researchers did release the data they found in relation to young minds and video games. On the one hand, the positive news from the new studies appear to indicate there can be educational applications that help children in relation to video games as educational toys. It is also noted that video games could also be a hindrance as much as a useful tool.
The Good, the Bad and the Somewhere in Between
When it comes to your child’s grey matter, there still seems to be a bit of a grey area. Every researcher, educator and parent wants a cut and dry answer even though much of the results seem to fall in between the two. It is important to keep in mind much of the results can also depend upon the individual. Just as one child can have greater amounts of sweets in the diet and still stay in shape, others seem unable to keep a healthy balance.
With video games, a great deal of it is moderation and balance, but it does also depend on certain traits or even habits of the child. For example, a child who plays more video games than another but also spends more free time reading may not notice the negative effects of higher levels of video game usage. Some benefits in general for kids, aside from the knowledge gained from educational games, include better social skills, better problem solving abilities and increased hand eye coordination. Of course, the content of the game plays a major role in how the video game can impact your child. Violence and adult content are more likely to not have the same positive effects as age-appropriate videos games.
Using Care and Judgment
While moderation is best, a parent should still closely monitor the types of games you child plays. Most parents like to reward positive behavior or time spent playing an educational game with a video game of the child’s choosing. Yet parents still need to closely monitor the video game to avoid games with excessive violence or adult content.
Research may indicate these types of games can cause a child to behave more aggressively, be desensitized and lack cognitive and social skills or development needed to be well rounded. Not only that, but too much time spent logged in with video games can lead to a child’s dependence on video games or even an addiction.
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