by Xsdew

Created on: December 20, 2008   Last Updated: May 10, 2011

Based upon the things we here from the news, it is easy to dismiss video games as a wholly harmful institution for teenagers and children. The sad thing is, it is absolutely unfair. Video games are often held under an entirely different degree of scrutiny that is even slightly above that of television and movies.

This is not to say that there aren't violent or unsavory topics in video games, but that these are not entirely unique to this genre of entertainment. Why get mad at your son or daughter for playing Grand Theft Auto, but say nothing or even encourage them to watch Law & Order? They are both quite obviously fiction, meant for the purpose of entertainment.

Do video games make you dumber? Certainly not. Have you ever tried reading lines of RPG dialogue? RPGs themselves are essentially modern day replacements for the D&D played in basements 20 years ago, anyway.

There is also the obesity argument: In a now infamous London Times article, McDonald's UK chief executive Steve Easterbrook said games are part of a "lifestyle element" that has led to a rise in childhood obesity. "There's fewer green spaces and kids are sat home playing computer games on the TV when in the past they'd have been burning off energy outside," he said. (Joystiq: http://www.joystiq.com/2008/01/09/uk-mcdonalds-chief -blames-game-industry-for-obesity/)

The "hardcore gamer", residing in his parents' basement, pasty from lack of sunlight, 400 pounds and eating tons of greasy foods with Mountain Dew, is of course a well known stereotype that is ridiculed and shuddered at. Solutions? Dance Dance Revolution, a popular video game series that has been around for a decade. It gives you a full body workout by displaying step arrows on a screen and allowing you to complete combinations by dancing on a mat. There is also Nintendo's Wii Fit, an exercise game that uses a balance board. Then, of course, there is the cheaper alternative, "outside". I hear it's a nice place. Perhaps more of us, not just the gamers, should spend more time out there and away from our BlackBerrys, cars, movie marathons, computers, or whatever our electronic vices may be.

Either way, whether a parent's concern is violence, obesity, or overall lethargy, moderation is the key. Encourage activity among family and friends. Take a walk and talk together after a family game of Rock Band. If you're a role model and an active part of your son or daughter's life, then there is no reason they should not be as successful as you want them to be.

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