Not All Video Games Are Bad For Kids!

We have all read about the ill-effects of video games. Parents often complain that kids and young adults spend long hours engrossed in the game-world with no time for their real-life family. However, a recent study has unearthed some beneficial aspects of gaming! It reveals that parents and kids can bond over video games like Angry Birds and Bejeweled Blitz. These games are also available on smartphones, which are readily available to the family wherever they go.

The study was conducted by video game maker PopCap and University of London. Almost 3000 grandparents and parents participated in the online survey. About 1000 said they played games with their kids every day. Amongst these, 80 percent people described it as “quality” time.

The respondents also felt that Smartphone usage has made children proficient in the use of high tech gadgets and gizmos. 1 in 5 parents approve of kids using Smartphones to play games.

Besides promoting family bonding, some of the other benefits that parents observed include improved concentration and problem –solving skills in children.

These findings resonate with the views of social critic Steven Johnson (author of “Everything Bad is Good for You”). Johnson too argues that video games are beneficial to the growth of children. Kids learn to manage limited resources and make strategic decisions within specific time-limits. These skills help them in real life situations.

It all depends on the choice of games. But if the right choice is made and the game is played together with the family or under supervision, there are benefits to be reaped!