Are video games good for kids?

(15 June 2010) News update on this: A Norwegian boy saved his sister, and himself, from being attacked by a Moose using skills learned with the game World of Warcraft. It is a fantastic story and what it tells me is that the extra experience some games might offer are indeed helpful.


Several studies and research has been made but the subject is still obscure. Do kids react aggressively after playing video games? Do they lost focus and get anxious?

Arguments favour to games:

• Jane McGonigal talk on TED.com (records in February 2010) is really compelling and philosophical, giving the idea that not all games are bad: the simulation ones are actually beneficial.
• European parliament report: computer games are good for children and teach them essential life skills. (too vague for me!)
• Edinburgh University: computer games can promote problem-solving and team-building in children.
• The fabulous paper Teens, Video Games, and Civics from PEW INTERNET & AMERICAN LIFE PROJECT made in September 2008, analyse in 75 pages the results of it's research that is, at the end, pro games. (Please read it and comment here your conclusions.)

Arguments against games for children:

• European parliament report: violence in video games can in certain situations stimulate violent behaviour, but there is no need for legislation.
• South African Press Association: children who blast away for hours are more aggressive, clash with their elders and can lag behind at school.
• Video games can be addictive -- and expensive.
• It may cause bad health effects, including obesity, and postural, muscular and skeletal disorders.

Personal experience:

My little brother wet his pants when playing a fighting game. We think that it's because he didn't realise he needed to go to the toilet 'cause he was totally absorbed by the game. Yes, that was scary and now he is only allowed to play on weekends.

Conclusion

I found more arguments in favour then against, but again it is a matter of common-sense: if it is too much, the parents have to intervene. Personally I think kids should be playing with real toys and that the bad things that could affect them (and all of us for that matter) overcome the good ones, that could be achieved with other types of real-life games.
Kids like to relax on mindless games, nothing wrong with that as long as they understand the value of effort, work and study. They should be able to relax painting, playing drums or football. There is no need for parents to rely on the consoles or computers to entertain and educate their kids.
So, let's stop being lazy and let's send a message for the future: let's teach our children to bit physical challenges before worrying about team building and farm management simulations...