The Positive Effects of Video Games on a Child's Development

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Do video games induce emotional, physical and psychological scars on children? This question has been pondered by millions of researchers across the globe. On the news there have been frequent accounts of acts of violence caused by children. However it is not the child, parents, or guardians that are blamed. Instead the media has often blamed the video game industry for these acts of immorality. After the Columbine Shootings Bill Clinton (1999) stated that "Over 300 studies report that the boundary between fantasy and reality violence, which is a clear line for most adults, can become very blurred for vulnerable children. Kids steeped in the culture of violence do become desensitized to it and are more capable of committing it themselves" The media has mainly focused their attention on all the research about the negative impact of video games. However, what about the benefits of playing video games? Why hasn’t this side of the story been covered in as much detail? In actuality video games are a benefit to a child’s development because they encourage growth in socialization, catalyzes self-growth and discovery through logical reasoning, and are a source of fun and freedom. In this modern age gamers are able to play with millions of people around the world. Both the video game industry and the community itself have grown exponentially over the past twenty years. Gamers are able to play with friends that have known for years and with people with whom they have just met. It is a way of making new connections and relationships and strengthening the ones of which they already have. For children growth in socialization is extremely important. For many children it can be a daunting task to talk with someone for the first time. How... ... middle of paper ... ...2.lib.umanitoba.ca/content/h8u63440vl4q6534/fulltext.html” Vessey, J. A., & Lee, J. E. (2000, November). Video games affecting our children. Retrieved from http://findarticles.com/p/articles/mi_m0FSZ/is_6_26/ai_n18610997/pg_2/ Provenzo, E. F. (1992, December). What do video games teach?. Retrieved from http://web.ebscohost.com.proxy1.lib.umanitoba.ca/ehost/detail?sid=66fa15ad-f9de-48b8-ae64-989492e608af@sessionmgr11&vid=1&hid=15&bdata=JnNpdGU9ZWhvc3QtbGl2ZQ HealthDay, S. G. (2011, February 26). Study: violent video games may not desensitize kids. Retrieved from http://yourlife.usatoday.com/parenting-family/teen-ya/story/2011/02/Study-Violent-video-games-may-not-desensitize-kids/44187914/1 Preidt, R. (2010, December 17). Violent video games don't predict aggressive behavior. Retrieved from http://www.businessweek.com/lifestyle/content/healthday/647600.htm

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