Choosing Video Games for Kids

Those who extol the benefits of video games often make their living creating, marketing or selling them. Commonly cited "virtues" include the opportunity for parents to spend time playing with children, improving hand-eye coordination or cognitive thinking skills by maneuvering characters on screen, and stimulating a child’s imagination. But such positive comments must be evaluated in light of the growing problem of video game addiction.

...some studies suggest 20 percent of children are already hooked...

A growing body of research indicates that chemical reactions which occur in the brain while playing video games make children susceptible to addiction. In fact, some studies suggest 20 percent of children are already hooked, leading to disinterest in other recreational options, stress related agitation and irritability, and childhood obesity.

Unlike selecting television shows, music, movies or other media where parents try to protect children from violent or sexual content – video games require an extra measure of caution due to their highly addictive nature. (For links to further research on video game addiction, visit www.videogametrouble.org)

In truth, all of the "benefits" to playing video games can be achieved through other, more productive activities. So it is best to become informed about both game content and risk of addiction when deciding whether and which games your child will play.

— by Olivia Bruner

Olivia Bruner is a former sixth grade teacher and popular speaker for the Heritage Builders Association. The mother of four children, Olivia is author of The Family Compass and the upcoming release Playstation Nation.

Do you have thoughts, questions, advice on this topic? Post your stories and comments in the forum for other parents to respond to. Enter the forum now.

On This Topic

• Introduction • Benefits of Video Games • Detriments of Video Games • Types of Video Games • How to Choose Wisely • How to Control the Experience