Violent Video Games - Effects on Children

Since video games became widely available to consumers about 30 years ago, their value in the home and the effect that they have on children has been debated, researched and questioned. Games are sophisticated and require a high level of attention, but they also introduce sometimes questionable concepts. In short, video games, especially violent video games, have both positive and negative implications for the children that play them.

Positive aspects of all video games

Video games do teach children some important skills. Children who play video games do learn problem solving skills and hypothesis testing. These skills have long reaching application, especially in science and math. It also teaches them pattern recognition, patience and may extend their concentration periods.

Negative aspects of all video games

Perhaps the largest threat from video games is the amount of time children spend on them. Nine out of ten children spend more than the recommended number of hours playing video games each week. On average, it is estimated that children play two hours of video games per day, when no more than an hour of TV viewing is recommended. Children who play video games for too many hours tend to have poor social skills, lower grade averages, and complications with their health and nutrition.

Negative effects of violence in video games

In addition to the negative elements common to playing all video games, children who play violent video games tend to exhibit symptoms of irritability and aggressiveness inappropriate to their age. Children lose track of moral boundaries and the serious and permanent implications of violence and are more likely to take violent action against others without regard for the consequences.

Parents should pay attention to the maturity rating of games that their children are playing and set limitations for the number of hours played a day. Children who exhibit symptoms of a problem related to their game usage should undergo counseling.