Video Games Are Good - Are They?

u're like most parents, you're probably confusedThe Nintendo system and Sony Playstation are
over the number of reports that argue againstmere platforms for video games that range from
the use of video games as entertainment. Someeducational lessons to downright questionable
of the information in these reports is quitematerial. We can't argue against the latter. There
convincing. After all, they're written by psychology*are* some inappropriate video games in the
experts, child educators, and social sciencepublic, but does that mean parents have ban the
professors from esteemed colleges or otherentire video gaming industry altogether?
similar institutions. And the arguments presentedAbsolutely not - and to do so, in our humble
within these reports make sense. They're basedopinion, would be detrimental to childhood
on years of research and they may evendevelopment. That's right - detrimental. We don't
resonate with experiences you've had with thebelieve this claim is a leap of faith, because just
children in your very own social circle.as there are reports that dissuade video gaming,
On the other hand, it's important that some ofthere is a tremendous amount of evidence that
this information be taken with a grain of salt.suggests why video games are an important part
Rarely will you see a report that argues on theof growing up. This evidence points to things like
side of video games, and that outlines the positivehand and eye coordination, the ability to focus,
attributes that time spent with a Nintendo systemperseverance, and improving problem solving skills.
or Sony Playstation generates. With all theThis evidence should give parents a bit of
negativity surrounding these products, one couldcomfort in knowing that the gaming industry in
easily think that Nintendo and Sony were evilitself is not the issue. The issue is instead, the
manifestations of the devil himself! But thisparents' choice of video games that are allowed in
couldn't be further from the truth.the home.