Advantages and disadvantages of playing video games

Computers have become an integral part of our lives and our homes. This has given children an easy access to video games and a lot of them play them all the time.

a.) What do you think are the advantages and disadvantages of playing video games?

b.) How can the bad effect of computer games on children be minimized?

Computers have become indispensable in the modern times. From information to having fun, you can possibly do everything with the help of this amazing machine. For the modern day child, computers are vital and the amount of time that they devote on them has constantly been on the rise.

One of the most popular things with children when it comes to the computer are video games or the computer games. From puzzles to racing, action to sports, strategy to adventure, computer games are possibly the biggest addiction with most children. With companies such as Sony and Microsoft going all out to promote Xbox and Playstation to children worldwide, the allure to these games has only got better.

These video games not only help in making child’s brain sharper through mental stimulation but it also helps relieve them of anxiety or pain. In some cases, games have proved to aid in dyslexic kids reading better. Since adults also love playing games, it can be a time of bonding between adults and children, increasing the amount of time spent together especially when time spent by parents and children is very less nowadays.

On the other hand, the addiction to these computer games can severely harm the child. Since children keep on playing for long hours, it can lead to eye damage. The impact of excessive visual medium is evident as a large number of children these days start wearing spectacles from an early age. Long hours of playing computer games can also result in headaches and dizziness.  But, one of the biggest concerns of playing excess computer games is that a child does not go out and play. Playing outdoor sports not only increases fitness but also helps in better growth of children as they are able to adapt better socially. Some of these games are violent and that is in turn harmful for growing children as it can make them hostile.

It may not be possible to ban children from playing these games. However, parents and school have to encourage children to play outdoor sports. It is imperative that a time has to be allocated for them to play video games and adults should try and monitor the type of games being played by children.

Also, it needs to be ensured that a certain amount of distance is maintained between the television and the child. This is to lower any possible damage to eyes as well as avoiding any health hazards that may result out of playing video games. A fine and delicate balance can go a long way in ensuring that children are not only able to have fun and derive benefits from these video games but in the process do not lose out on other essential parts of life.