Recent survey show beneficial effects of video games

Here's a shocker: Kids love video games. It's true! Millions of kids love them. In the end, for parents overwhelmed with concerns about video games, it may help to know that 97% of American children, ages 12- 17 play video games regularly and safely every day. It's common for parents  to read about the damaging effects of video games, quite often without any supporting evidence whatsoever. Parents we both know you want whats best for your children. I understand the growing concerns parents are having with video games. You hear all the time about how bad video games are, but that’s rarely true. A major new study by the Pew Internet & American Life Project shatters stereotypes about teens and video games. The truth is your kids almost can’t escape learning something new from the moment they pick up the controller.

 “Gamers Don’t Get Dates” 

Video game culture has a reputation for being a nerdy antisocial indoor hobby where kids never go outside to socialize with their peers." The stereotype that gaming is a solitary, violent, anti-social activity just doesn't hold up. The average teen plays all different kinds of games and generally plays them with friends and family both online and offline," said Amanda Lenhart, author of a report on the survey and a Senior Research Specialist with the Pew Internet & American Life Project  Parents, keep in mind that time spent playing games often means time spent socializing. The online play gives kids the opportunity to spend time with distant friends or make new ones. The gamer of today is no longer the nerd who couldn't get a date for prom!

The primary findings in the survey of  American children ages 12-17 include – 

• 76% of gaming teens play games with others at least some of the time.

• 82% play games alone at least occasionally, though 71% of this group also plays games with others.

• 65% of gaming teens play with others in the same room. 

• 52% of kids report playing games where they think about moral and ethical issues.

• 43% report playing games where they help make decisions about how a community, city or nation should be run.

• 40% report playing games where they learn about a social issue. 

 Gaming and Civic experiences among teens!!!

Game playing can incorporate many aspects of civic and political life.  This recent survey shows 76% of kids report helping others while gaming.  Children have many experiences playing games that mirror aspects of civic and political life, such as thinking about moral and ethical issues and making decisions about city and/or community affairs.

Parents the evidence show that gaming is not just an entertaining diversion for your kids. Your children help others and also learn about problems in society during their game playing. They also encounter other social and civic experiences. These skills can then be used in other aspects of life, including in school and work. Millions of children are working together in teams while playing video games and also building stronger relationships.

One thing is for certain, we have been playing games as a way of learning about our world and how to be successful members of society for thousands of years. There is no reason to think that digital video games can't be an excellent source of learning how to be successful in the Digital Age. Parent you must look at the positive benefits your children are gaining from video games. Your kids are in a technology age and even though you see them as zombies, they are actually gaining knowledge to prepare them for the future.

Developing Life Skills

Every game your child plays is a puzzle at some level. Even sports games require your children to solve problems related to physics, force, mass, and the velocity of various objects. Many games are built around problem solving models that require users to tackle complex puzzles in order to advance and be successful in the game. Practicing problem solving, even in a make-believe world, is a skill that has direct applicability to the real need for your child to solve problems in his or her life.

After reading the survey done by Pew Internet & American Life Project I actually have factual evidence and research done by professionals. Parents we must look at the issue from the opposite side and not just take the words of the biased ones who have no factual evidence to back there claims that video games are a danger to children. Facts are stronger than opinions so I ask you before you judge your children on video gaming to remind yourself about the positive things they are getting from gaming. The good news: By simply reading this article and learning more about the subject, you’re already on the right path.