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.