by Aspire2Be

Created on: March 02, 2011   Last Updated: September 16, 2011

There is no substitute for running around outside in the sunshine with friends. But video games, while they require minimal physical effort to play, are not at all bad for children. I've been playing video games since I was seven. Sometimes I would play them for hours straight. I didn't turn out at all damaged. In fact, I am a healthy, well-rounded individual. I love to read and write, I can hold conversations, I get good grades, and I can even discuss politics. As a child there were many instances in which I'd choose to play outside and hang out with my friends rather than play video games. They do not corrupt lives and ruin a child's mind, especially if the parent is paying attention to the ratings and using good judgement. 

Playing video games can affect a child in a lot of ways. I know that video games are one of the few things that has helped shape me into the person I am. In many individuals games can build patience, logic skills, hand coordination, and even help a child improve their reading skills if they are determined enough to understand what is going on in the game's written dialogue. Repeatedly having the character "die" trying to complete a level or scenario can get frustrating fast. However, if interested enough a child will keep trying until they get past the obstacle set before them. This hopefully instills patience in the child as they wait for the right moment to make a tricky jump or repeat the same stretch of level over and over. A multitude of games include some form of puzzle or another. Mario, Prince of Persia, Zelda, even God of War utilizes tricky puzzles within to break up the action. Some are absurdly easy, but others take some thought. How do I get past this? Do I need to align these items? Do I pull the levers in this order? I was beating the first boss in LEGO Batman just the other day and had to pause for a few minutes to figure out how to defeat him. I kid you not, the boss of a children's LEGO game made me stop and think. Imagine what wonders it does for a child's mind to use the logic side of their brain whilst doing something casual that they enjoy. 

Like a book video games often tell intricate and wonderful stories. They broaden the imagination with fantasy tales, sci-fi adventures, and a vast array of unique characters and personalities. The classic Good vs Evil plots can affect a child's moral outlook. I never wanted the bad guy to win. The hero was fighting for the good of the world, to save a princess, to stop

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