Clinical Reference Systems: Pediatric Advisor 10.0
Video Games
Home video games are extremely popular in this country.
Over one third of American homes have computerized game
systems connected to the television. With hundreds of
selections available, video games are currently the most
popular toy in our country. Portable video games are the
latest option. Every day the number of 6- to 16-year-olds
playing video games increases.
VIDEO GAMES VERSUS TELEVISION
Compared to watching television, video games are a better
form of entertainment because they are interactive. Your
child's mind has to be turned on and working. The following
are some potential benefits of playing video games.
- They promote attention to details (such as clues),
memorizing, sequencing, and using strategies.
- They promote eye-hand (visual motor) coordination.
- They improve visual perception (spatial awareness).
- They allow use of imagination.
- They provide entertainment children and adults can share.
DISADVANTAGES OF VIDEO GAMES
The drawbacks of playing video games are similar to those of
watching TV:
- If allowed to dominate your child's leisure and study
time, video games can decrease development of skills in
sports, music, and art. Performance in school can be
affected if reading and homework are neglected.
- If pursued as a solitary activity, playing video games
can decrease important social interactions with family
and friends. A child's interactions with friends may
become limited to pumping them for information about
hidden passageways and secret doors. Encourage your
child to play video games with others.
- Violent games can teach acceptance of violent behavior in
real life.
You need to be concerned if your child's grades fall, if he
doesn't do his homework, if he doesn't get enough sleep, if
he doesn't play outdoors, if he becomes a loner, or if he
seems preoccupied with aggressive behavior as seen in a
video game.
TAKE A STAND ON VIDEO GAMES
Don't expect your child to set his own limits on the amount
of time he spends with this bewitching form of
entertainment. You are responsible for your child's
well-being and must set appropriate limits for him. If the
rules are broken, deny your child access to the game for a
day or more. Insist that homework and chores be completed
before your child can play video games. Game time can even
be used as an incentive for finishing these tasks properly.
- Limit video game time.
Two hours a day or less is a reasonable limit. Or allow
an hour of play on school nights and 2 or 3 hours a day
on weekends. Some parents allow the video games only on
weekends. If your child is doing poorly in school,
temporarily eliminate video game time on school nights.
Some parents allow their children to earn video game
time by putting in equivalent reading time.
- Don't allow your child to postpone bedtime because he
wants to finish a video game.
Remember that children who stay up late are usually too
tired the next day to remember what they are taught in
school. Don't allow your child to have a video game set
in his bedroom, because this eliminates your control
over time spent playing. When bedtime is drawing near,
give your child a 10-minute warning.
- Encourage your children to settle their own disputes
over using the video game.
Try to stay out of disagreements, as long as they remain
verbal. Children can't go through life having a referee
to resolve their differences. If the dispute becomes
too loud, remove the game until your children work out a
solution.
- Help your child choose video games that are not
excessively violent.
Encourage your child to buy or rent sports, puzzle,
maze, or adventure games. Avoid games that contain lots
of murder, combat, and destruction. Research suggests
that video games encourage more aggressive behavior than
violent TV shows because your child is an active
participant in the destruction and not just an observer.
If your child borrows or rents a new game, insist on
approving its contents before he uses it.
- If you own a computer, take advantage of some of the
educational games available.
Educational computer games tap the motivational power of
arcade games and help your child learn. They combine
academics and entertainment, and also teach computer
skills. If you have a choice, buy computer games
instead of video games.
- Try to channel your child's leisure time into a variety
of activities.
Video games are not bad for children. They can teach
certain skills and they are more educational than
watching TV. If you try to forbid video games, your
child will play them at an arcade or a friend's home.
So teach your child to play them in moderation after the
first weeks of normal infatuation pass. Encourage
reading, music, hobbies, sports, and playing with
friends as well.
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