The following paper presents the topic of the negative effects of interactive video games on children. Issues discussed include a brief discussion of game use and positive effects of these games. This is followed by a discussion of the negative effects that lead to related parental caution recommendations.
Home video games are not a new commodity and have been around for more than 30 years. However, what is new is the degree that computer technology has improved video games and the notions that girls now play more video games than in the past, and children now play these games at earlier ages. Studies show that among elementary and middle school ages, female adolescents play video games an average of five hours per week and boys play for 13 hours per week for boys. Preschoolers now play an average of 28 minutes per day. The time spent playing interactive video games is now increasing for all ages (Gentile 1).
Interactive video games have positive and negative effects on children. Positive impacts include improvement in manual dexterity and increased computer literacy. The playing of these games is said to provide players with constantly improved graphics and realistic virtual experiences which exposes the child or adolescent to latest technology (Norcia 1). Other positive outcomes include increased active engagement and repeated practice, which are skills that can be transferred to treatment of health conditions. These skills lead to attitudes and behaviors that are related to pro-active actions (Gentile 2).
Despite these possible positive effects, playing interactive video games also has negative outcomes. Studies support the conclusion that playing these video games is linked to risk for poor academic performance and poor health (Gentile 1). Interactive video game playing is negatively correlated with academic performance and it is positively correlated with obesity, postural, muscu...