Video Games

-By Jino Jose, Class XII-B

Most of you readers might have suddenly gotten

interested in this article, reading the title. In fact, you should be.

In our present generation, a lot of teens, and also our

peers, are found engrossed in playing video games. They do not
tend to head out for some fresh air, and eagerly wait for the release
of their favourite game. Many parents are opposed to their child’s
obsession, mostly to the generation gap, telling or even ordering
them to abstain from video games, watching them grow more and
more addicted towards it. This makes the child indignant. As a
former gamer, I can certainly relate to this.

Gaming, as a majority are aware of, have some issues

related to it. Many games contain violence, which sometimes causes
childhood aggression. Moreover, many modern games include
inappropriate or mature content.

“Online multiplayer games are not recommended for

children under 13 years because it is in this environment where
unhealthy habits develop”, says Andrew Doan, a recognized expert
in digital media addictions.
. Elementary school children who play video games more
than two hours a day were 67% more likely to develop attention
problems, according to a study published in Pediatrics magazine.
Sleep deprivation and addiction are also other commonly noticed
problems. There is also a risk in using mobile phones and other
wireless devices due to electromagnetic radiations.

But still, gaming is not such a bad thing per se, it has its
advantages too, they outweigh its disadvantages, according to
many. Most games favour the development of logic to solve
problems through puzzles and riddles. The interactions in video
games improve fine motor skills; it improves also hand-eye
coordination of pre-school children, according to a study by the
Deakin University in Melbourne. Cooperative and online games
promote sociability, teamwork and the ability to solve problems,
both solo and as a team, for both children and adults. Video games
act as a distraction, relieving the player from any physical or
emotional pain, and also depression. It also stimulates curiosity and
imagination of the player.

Keeping that all aside, I suggest that we limit gaming to

a prescribed amount of time, as long as it does not turn into an
addiction. Gaming does not have cons unique to it, but just as any
other thing, over use of it brings out negative effects. Let us give
gamers the space and time to be what they want to be. But always
remember: There is no harm in playing video games, but do not let
video games play YOU.