Comments on: Are Video Games Bad for Kids? A Personal Story.

By: Kansas A

Kansas A — Sat, 03 May 2008 18:25:41 +0000

I just had my SIL’s child show up at my door asking if my son could come play outside. I asked him why he didn’t come in, he stated “because my mom doesn’t want me playing video games.” My blood boiled! This coming from a child’s mother who thinks nothing of sending her kids outside in freezing weather, or plunking them down in front of the tv watching movie videos for hours on end. My son is 6 months younger (4 yo) and has more brains due to his Nintento Wii and Xbox than both her kids! He quickly learned to spell his name because to be able to play, one must enter their name, he can read quite a bit because he has to know what it says to continue the game… am I worried?… not one bit. There’s a “balance” and as long as he WANTS to play outside or WANTS to play his video games I’m fine with that :) By “banning” a child, from anything, you create a much worse situation.

By: Josh

Josh — Thu, 01 May 2008 01:37:46 +0000

Videogames can sometimes provide a learning experience. Although, most videogames that are popular are very violent. What troubles me most is the things that can come up on online games. With headsets that many children use when playing on these games, there are many arguements that involve very bad language and threats. I own a Xbox360 and I have experienced these things. I think that it is unacceptable that parents are letting kids as young as 8 or 9 to play very violent “M” rated games. On the more positive side, I think it is great that children learn to use teamwork on these online games. I am not so worried of the blood and violence in games, but the immature fighting that frequently occurs.

By: Nicole

Nicole — Fri, 29 Feb 2008 09:37:14 +0000

Aloha from Hawaii. I have a 9 year old whom has played video games since he was 2 (grand tourismo) on PSX and played Online MMORPG’s since he was 4 (Pristontale, maplestory, Guildwars, Lunia, Flyff, GO, KongKong, Ect.) we all play video games and online games as a family as well. He owns PSX, gamecube, DS, Gameboy micro. I know you’re thinking we are game freaks but let me explain…him as a human being..
he is incredibly intelligent in all areas (math, reading, writing, art, music ect.) he is also the kindest most compassionate child in school (thats what teachers, counselor, principal) tell me. He does all his homework almost without assistance. He also speaks fluent Japanese. He is a student in a Charter school. His outside activites beside being a little daredevil is track and soccer. He has also taken ballet. He plays outside as much he can and is very healthy and lean. Those things being said these are what playing these games have thought him..
1) he is a very fast and fluent reader (due to playing MMORPGs which requires you to read and type fast or you lose instructions on what to do)
2) he also writes well (im sure his clan members never would guess he is 9 he knows all the details to quests, builds, skills,ect)
3) he is patient ( Korea and japan usually have the open beta versions way advance than global versions so he waits months on end to get what he needs or special chracters he wants to play)
4) team work..in guildwars he goes on mission and gains factions but need a team about 20 to accomplish it. they all must work together or risk failing. He loves to build support characters like healers and monks.

As you can see it isn’t all that bad.

By: Joe

Joe — Tue, 05 Feb 2008 21:02:16 +0000

I found the authors story quite interesting. I would have to agree with the majority of the comments, in that video games in moderation are not dangerous, The true danger lies in the sad fact that video game consoles are used as electronic babysitters and kids can spend far too much time plugged in to them. I have two nephews, great kids but in my opinion there parents are too permissive with them and not monitoring their activities. They have a Xbox and spend 4 to 5 hours on it a day. When they are told to turn it off the tantrums start so it’s just easier to give in.
my main fear is that, like the author, they will become inactive slugs with the social skills of a mushroom and no moral compass to speak of. Parents must remember that they are the principle influence in their childrens lifes and when something, anything, eclipses that alarm bells should go off.

By: Andrew

Andrew — Wed, 16 Jan 2008 10:10:07 +0000

I believe that you should do some research on the game and think about the benefits and if there are none you should see if you could get him off of spyro
and if that is not a possible get him on a flight simulator atleast he would know how to fly a plane by the time he is ten.

By: Peach

Peach — Thu, 13 Dec 2007 19:08:26 +0000

I am doing a debate on “are video games too violent?” and i say “yes they are.” any opinion?

By: Prechha Narongthai

Prechha Narongthai — Wed, 12 Dec 2007 05:31:54 +0000

Hi,
Thank you for sharing. I would say i’m today still dedicating much of my free time to my gaming.My husband and I play strategy games together, he asks my opinion all the time and vice versa. My brother and I are always playing stuff

By: kenzie

kenzie — Mon, 03 Dec 2007 19:22:18 +0000

ran-chan sorry!

By: kenzie

kenzie — Mon, 03 Dec 2007 19:15:37 +0000

I LOVE video games just like jan-chan my dad love to play to, and now im in to halo and star wars battle front

By: McCoy

McCoy — Thu, 15 Nov 2007 06:45:22 +0000

Make it an activity, or even a hobby. Like everyone says, don’t let it stop other activities.

What are they gaining from video games?

Imagination. Don’t tell me the outdoors gives the only imagination.

The ability to solve problems from a outer perspective.

Nonlinear thinking.

Small children are extremely influential, and I believe you should monitor but have fun with them.

But as they grow up, just remember -
Video games are a waste of time.
Football is a waste of time.
Cheerleading is a waste of time.
Clubs are a waste of time.
Learning to knit is a waste of time.

But their all hobbies, fields of expertise with rewards for the skilled. You can make more $$$ in competitions as a young adult or adult with gaming second to none but professional sports, an equally hard, and damaging road.

Don’t diss video games, I doubt you could even beat one to the end, you ADD socioentrapped half-wits.