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Positive Effects of Video Games on Kids

There is no denying that video games of all kinds are a staple presence in most American households. In fact, the Kaiser Family Foundation estimates that 83 percent of children have at least one gaming system in the home. NPD Group Inc. estimated in 2006 that nearly one-third of avid American gamers ranged in age from 6 to 17. These figures can cause alarm when mixed with the emergence of video games with violent content and mature subject matter. It is important to remember, however, that M-rated games make up a small portion of the market. Some video games actually have positive effects on America's youth.

  1. Improvement of Hand-Eye Coordination

    • A typical gaming experience involves the player monitoring and controlling the actions of on-screen characters using a joystick or game controller. A player must keep his eye on the screen while simultaneously using the handheld device to move the character toward an intended goal. These activities can build both fine motor skills and spatial ability.

    Boost in Self-Confidence

    • Regardless of theme or story line, most video games have the same objective: to achieve an intended goal by working through a series of missions or puzzles. Video games can give children with inferiority complexes the opportunity to make achievements in a safe, virtual environment. Some children, after playing certain games, learn to cope with self-confidence issues and gain presence in social situations.

    Chance to Bond With Family Members

    • As a child learns to master a favorite video game, he may feel compelled to share these achievements with other members of the family, usually siblings or parents. He will gain pleasure from the opportunity to teach new skills to the rest of the household. This may also prompt members of the family to get involved in new games together.

    Problem Solving and Logic

    • Some video games are designed to encourage abstract thinking in order to advance the plot. Using logic to solve puzzles and problems in a virtual environment can equip a child with the skills to apply abstract thinking to the real world.

    Interactive Entertainment

    • Video games offer children to not just observe an environment (like when watching television), but to actually interact with an entertainment medium. All video games require some degree of mental interaction; some games (such as Wii console games) require physical interaction as well. Video games can be a less passive alternative to TV shows and DVDs.

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