Effects Of Video Games And PC Games On Children

Do you know that video games are the fastest growing form of entertainment in today’s world? Just take a look at the craze seen every time a new video console or video games are released; a tell-tale sign of how gaming – video games and PC games – is gaining traction in our world. Be it God of War, Call of Duty, Battlefield, Titans, Hitman, or Saints Row the question most remain to ask is “what effects do these games have on the children?”

Some educationists and parents argue that video games and PC games have a negative impact on children. For example, some say children develop anti-social behaviour, whereas others maintain these games are time wasting. On the other hand, psychologists argue that these games have great benefits for children especially when it comes to brain development. Even with these opposing views, various studies conducted point to video and PC games having both positive and negative effects. This essay looks at what effects video and PC games have on children.

How a child develops influences their approach and reaction in the real world. Due to the challenging design of games, it lets children develop and improve their problem solving skills. The different challenges presented in the games let the children try various combinations to get out of challenging situations. With these skills, children are able to deal with the day to day challenges in the real world. In addition, video games boost children’s ability to make quick decisions and more accurately. Take for example the game Call of Duty. In the game, one can find themselves in trick situations where they need to make quick decisions in order to get out. As a result, children are able to predict steps and the outcome allowing them to make accurate decisions. With limited time, it makes them learn how to not only make accurate decisions, but also quick decisions.

Video games are fun, and that is why children like them a lot. Because of this nature, children tend to learn more about the game quicker. This has an impact in their life. It sets the children up for quick learning thus explaining why most kids will love classes with teachers considered fun. It makes learning easier. A common observation with children that play video games is once they fail, they do not give up, and instead they play several times until they move to the next level. This concept is important in children’s development as it teaches perseverance and strategy. The benefit is the children learn if they fail, they can always try again and using a different strategy. In the games, they will try various combinations resulting in learning of different strategies to get by challenges.

On the other hand, video and PC games have been known to make children develop anti-social behaviour. This is a negative impact that can affect the child’s life if not dealt with. Because of the obsession with gaming, children tend to avoid playing with other children an essential part in their development. They become socially isolated. The result is, when children grow up they lack in skills such as socialising, communication, and relationship development.

Most known video and PC games involves lots of violence, and this violence has elicited lots of debate. Because of the nature of violence, and the continuous engagement of children with the games, it results in children viewing violence as a way of life. This is because in most games, violence is rewarded. Furthermore, this violence makes the children develop very aggressive behaviours. A scientific study revealed children who play violent games have increased aggressive behaviours.

Lastly, these games affect children’s performance in school. Most children spend most of their hours playing and thinking video games. Such leaves them with less time to study, complete assignments, and homework, which negatively impacts their education. Some studies have shown the more time children spent playing video and PC games, the poorer were their grades and overall school performance. Another study by Argosy University showed children addicted to video and PC games score lower points than those who rarely or do not play such games at all.

It is clear that video and PC games have both positive and negative effects on children. Some positive effects include quick and accurate decision making ability, perseverance, and ability to deal with challenges. Nonetheless, one cannot assume the negative impacts such as increased aggressive behaviour and anti-social behaviour. These behaviours leave the children with no friends at all and difficulties in socialising. In conclusion, parents need to look at these effects and control their children’s involvement with video and PC games. It is important to strike a balance.