Introduction

There are many different opinions from parents about their children playing video games, some parents may think that video games are a complete waste of time and a huge distraction for their children, while other parents may believe their children are learning skills from these games.

The first two blog entries will show both some of the positive and negative effects of video games on children, the next entry will include a conclusion, and also state possible steps parents can take to help minimize negative effects.

Positive Effects

A large amount of research carried out on the effects of video gaming on children is mainly one sided and largely focused on one aspect, the negatives. But people fail to see that there are also positive aspects. These include:

• Development of motor skills: These skills include problem solving, logical thinking and planning. Many video games include puzzles, brainteasers that challenge the mind, and forces players to think logically and find possible solutions to the puzzles in order to progress further in the game. White, (2009) believes that in real terms, this means that a child’s ability to solve problems and plan may actually be improved by trying to figure out how to defeat the next opponent on a game.
• Hand-eye co-ordination: Playing video games both require and develop great hand eye co-ordination, as players are watching the game play on the screen, they must also use their hands to manoeuvre or control the character/object in the game with the controller/keyboard.
• Builds/ improves self-confidence and scientific reasoning: Many video games have online multiplayer capabilities, which allow players to connect team up and challenge other players from around the world. Duncan (n.d.) explains that players are openly discussing their strategies and thinking, creating an environment in which informal scientific reasoning practices are being learned by playing these online video games. And as players are sharing ideas with one another, they become more confident in themselves. 
• Distraction: Video games can be used as a distraction for patients (especially children), that are undergoing treatment in hospitals or at home, diverting attention away from the treatment and painful procedures patients go through.
  

But not all elements of video games are good there are also negatives.

Negative Effects

In the past, video games started off simple and did not involve any type of violence. But that has all changed now, as games have become more advanced, more violent, and more aggressive. And just like video games, the actions of children who play video games has also changed, revealing the negative aspects. These include:

• Behavioral changes: This includes an increased level of aggression in children, and changes in attitude. The majority of studies done on the negative effects of video games in places such as the U.S. and Japan have shown an increase of aggression in children, as some children may forget what is the virtual world and what is reality, and begin to behave differently towards others. Players appear more violent and act more aggressive, as they have a tendency of imitating the actions and behaviour of characters in games such as fighting and action games. Holmes (2005) explains that children who played more violent video games rebelled against authority figures and were more likely to be involved in physical altercations with others.
• Addiction: Children may spend a large number of hours playing a video game with an objective in their minds, may it be to try and complete certain challenges to finish the level they are currently on, beat their high score on the game, or actually try to unlock other characters or achievements by completing the game. And as these children focus more and more on the video game, they will neglect friends, family, school and even personal hygiene  
• Decline in academic performance: Drawn in by the thrill of discovery or the opportunity to build alliances with other players, children may spend all of their spare time playing video games, and neglect their studies, thus seeing grades and enthusiasm in the classroom eventually plummet.
• Health risks: There is a range of health issues associated with video games, including muscle and heart problems, as players will be sitting down playing video games for hours without any physical activity. This could also lead to obesity; players will be too focused on the game and will usually turn to eating junk food as a way to stay energized. Other health risks found include hyperactivity or ADHD (Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder).  

Conclusion & Recommendation

There are video games that contain violence and other content that shouldn't be viewed by younger gamers, but there are also video games which help and educate children, teaching certain skills used in everyday life.


In conclusion, it is clear that the negative aspects of video gaming on children certainly outweigh the positive aspects. Exposure to violent video games is a casual risk factor for children. Although, these aspects or effects on children mainly depend on how often a game is played and what type of game they are actually playing.
There are certain steps parents can take to prevent negative aspects affecting their children. Negative effects can usually be reversed by lifestyle changes, parents can monitor what games their children play and how long their children spend playing video games.

References

1. Video games distract kids from pain during dental procedures. (2010, April, 17). Retrieved 26, May 2011 from http://www.siasat.com/english/news/video-games-distract-kids-pain-during-dental-procedures 

2. D, D. (n.d.) How video games affect health. Retrieved May, 10 2011 from http://www.gameinnovator.com/health.php 
3.  Holmes, L. (2005, August 19). Video Game Violence Research Yields Mixed Results. Retrieved May 10, 2011 from http://mentalhealth.about.com/od/cybermentalhealth/a/vidviolence805.htm 
4. Iowa State University (2008, November 4). Violent Video Game Feed Aggression In Kids In Japan And U.S. ScienceDaily. Retrieved May, 10 2011 from http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/11/081103180252.htm 
5. (n.d.). History of video games. Retrieved May, 10 2011 from http://lifestyle.iloveindia.com/lounge/history-of-video-games-1967.html
6. (n.d.). Video game addiction: when video games become more than just games. Retrieved May, 10 2011 from http://www.video-game-addiction.org/what-makes-games-addictive.htm
7. White, R. (2009, Jan 20). The positive effects of video games on children: new studies reveal surprising results. Retrieved May, 10 2011 from http://videoonlinegames.suite101.com/article.cfm/the_positive_effects_of_video_games_on_children