It is not a secret that nearly every child in the United States plays video games. Some play on occasion and some are full-time gamers, some play games on the phone, some on computer, some use console, and others enjoy all of the above. This is what the survey conducted by the Pew Internet & American Life Project, a project of the Pew Research Center, supported by the MacArthur Foundation , has revealed. The results of the study that included 1,102 young people (ages 12-17) showed that 97% of American teens play some kind of video game. Do you recognize your child in this description?

It’s a fact – digital media is a big part of teenagers’ lives. Most parents feel concerned and resist accepting this phenomenon that seems to have taken over their kids’ lives. This concern is perfectly understandable. One reason being, most adults did not have that kind of experience in their childhood, and the concept of spending hours playing video games, instead of playing outside, seems alien to them. Another reason is the influence of the mass media that has formed a negative image of gaming in general, claiming that it teaches kids nothing but violence. This difference in opinions of two generations causes a lot of conflicts between parents and children. But how much do we really know about video games and how they affect children’s lives?

Let’s take a closer look at the Pew Internet & American Life Project survey and issues that it addresses.

Lack of Social Interaction

Despite a popular opinion that children who play video games are social deviants, the survey shows that this is far from truth. The fact that teenagers are not outside playing with other kids doesn't mean they are deprived from communication. When children play video games they often socialize with other game participants online, or they play with their friends in the same room.

What Do Games Teach our Kids

The survey showed that teens play a large variety of games, which makes the gaming experience rich and diverse. Most popular games fall into the racing, puzzle, sports, action, and adventure categories. A lot of video games are very complex, they challenge children mentally and can include logical games, strategic games, games where players build communities and recreate modern world societies. These games help kids learn about civic and political problems of the world, and think about moral and ethical issues.

Violence and Mature Content
Violence and mature content in video games is, probably, the biggest concern of a parent. The study shows that, although, 32% of youth play games that are listed as appropriate only for people older than they are, and at least one of their favorite games is rated Mature or Adults Only, the stereotype that gaming is a solitary, violent, anti-social activity just doesn't have enough proof. The average teen plays a large variety of games and generally plays them with friends and family both online and offline. In addition, when it comes to mature content, it is suggested that “adults need to be involved in young people’s game play, helping to realize the potential benefits while moderating unintended consequences”. Just like when it comes to watching TV or surfing Internet it is parents’ responsibility to set reasonable boundaries for their children’s safety. 

Bottom line is - trying to ban kids from playing all video games is unreasonable. And there are other sources that can prove that gaming can be a positive experience for entire families. Here is a video on the most recent study of video games from IGN News:

Here is the advice to parents:

• Do some research and try to learn more about gaming, so you could use this activity to its full advantage. (see Useful Links below).  

• Focus not just on how much time kids spend playing games, but also on the quality of the games and a kind of experience they provide.

• Get involved. Play with your kids. Not only can it help children learn and develop, but it can be a step to opening a conversation and finding a compromise between you and children. 

Useful Links:    

1. Video games are good for you (a little bit) - Today show - www.today.com/health/video-games-are-good-you-little-bit-1D80005579
2. Could a Little Video Game Play Be Good for Kids? - WebMD - http://www.webmd.com/children/news/20140804/could-a-little-video-game-play-be-good-for-kids
3.  Can playing video games be good for kids? - Kids Health -http://kidshealth.org/parent/question/emotions/good_gaming.html
4.  9 Ways video games can actually be good for you - Huffington Post - http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2013/11/07/video-games-good-for-us_n_4164723.html
5. 8 Reasons video games can improve your child - Parents.com - http://www.parents.com/kids/development/benefits-of-video-games