Video Games: How Staten Island Pediatrics May Recommend Them


By Jennifer Marie Anderson


For many parents, video games are seen as less than attractive in terms of social growth. Many children play these games for several hours in a day and while this can be a problem, more moderate amounts of playtime may actually have their own sets of benefits. For those who are curious as to what these entails, those who work in the realm of Staten Island pediatrics will be able to offer tremendous insight. It's time to give this particular interest another look.

The benefits associated with gaming isn't exactly a new talking point and authorities like GPM Pediatrics can say the same. Keep in mind that, in the past, gaming has been linked to heightened hand-to-eye coordination as well as greater reading skills, depending on the types of games being played. These games aren't just toys; they can serve as escapes into digital worlds where children and adults will be able to enjoy themselves. Just as importantly - and specialists in Staten Island pediatrics - they may be able to learn something along the way.

According to an article on PBS, children who are between the ages of 10 to 15 that play video games in short bursts have shown improvements in psychosocial adjustment. More specifically, when they were able to play an hour or less each day, they have observed higher levels of quality in life in addition to fewer instances of "externalizing and internalizing problems." This is an improvement over those who have not played any video games at all. It's an interesting case and one that works in favor of gaming.

It's clear that while video games can have their benefits, it's important to note what can happen when these tools are abused. PBS mentioned that children who play 3 or more hours of games each day will see lower degrees of social growth in the long term. Parents already know that it's unhealthy for their children to stay situated in front of their TVs and no one will be able to say otherwise. In order for true growth to be seen amongst the youth, actual interaction in the real world must take place.

However, one cannot deny the fact that gaming has its positives as far as growth is concerned. Of course, as stated earlier, this must be done in moderation so an hour or so each day is doable so that children are able to attain their environment while keeping parents as comfortable with the idea as possible. Those who write off video games as nothing more than wastes of time should give them a second look. They may be surprised by what they uncover.




About the Author: