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Computer games have become an important part of our culture. Some children are playing educational games on a computer before they are even in school. Many teens play cooperative games (such as World of Warcraft and Halo) online. It is the responsibility of parents to make sure their children are playing games that are age appropriate, and to set time limits on gameplay. Just as with television viewing, parents need to be aware of game content and comfortable with the games and websites their children are accessing. Computer gaming is very much taken for granted in today's society. The prevalence of computer gaming has both positive and negative effects on our young people.

Computers are everywhere. Most careers require some familiarity with PCs.
The Internet has made many facets of everyday life more convenient and accessible. According to JALA, a telecommuting consulting firm, by 2010 between 40 and 45 million people will be telecommuting. The young people who are the most knowledgeable and comfortable with computers are the ones who will achieve the most success. Computer gaming can therefore be seen as a training ground for computer proficiency. Online gaming also requires a fair amount of skill using the Internet, an important tool to help build a successful future.

Computer gaming online also provides social benefits. Teens and young adults who participate in online gaming are able to meet other people from all over the globe. In a world where it is said "It's not what you know, it's who you know", meeting people internationally rather than just locally can help young adults network and make valuable contacts. Getting together with gamers from different backgrounds is a great way to learn tolerance for others. Playing many of these games promotes teamwork and cooperation amongst very different people. This is a valuable talent for a young person, or indeed anyone, to acquire.

Life is all about balance, however. Computer gaming should be just one activity a teenager enjoys. We have all heard stories about people who are "addicted" to computer gaming. Obviously it is a problem when anyone puts gaming ahead of all other things in his or her life. The negative consequences are many and varied.

Without physical activity, it is nearly impossible to maintain good health. Experts tell us that regular exercise is important to both our mental and physical well being. This is especially true for young people whose bodies and minds are still developing. Computer gaming

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