Study: video games good for kids
Story By: Scott Budman
Source: NBC
Video games often get a bad rap for promoting everything from violence to anti-social behavior in our kids. But a new study suggests they may actually do some good.
The study by researchers at Mills College in Oakland, California found that video games can actually be good for kids.
It says most teens play video games with others, which teaches social interaction. It also says games can provide lessons in civics, history and problem solving. "Gaming has become definitely a social interaction and it's almost an excuse for people to do creative things and get the appreciation of their peers," said San Francisco State Prof. Sam Gill.
Gill cites Spore as one game that sparks creativity. In it, players get to build and design their own living species. "The high reward here is no longer, 'Oh my God, I killed so many people in this game,' but it's really the recognition by your peers. 'Oh my God, look at my creature, it can run faster!'" said Gill.
Educational psychologist Rebecca Bell says violent games don't necessarily breed violent kids. "The reality is you need to look at the kids, how they think about the video games, do the parents endorse these video games, are they playing them with others or alone, there's just so many contextual factors, we need to get beyond good or bad," said Bell.
Gianni Brattesani is a veteran gamer who thinks games are good. "I like playing Spiderman video games and some car video games," said Brattesani. His mom says she tries to strike a balance between game time and outdoor time. "Everything is good in moderation and what kind of video games, obviously shooting and killing, I wouldn't be too happy if my son would play that all day," said Lena Brattesani.
And it's safe to say Gianni has already grasped the concept of moderation. "Sometimes I play, sometimes I don't. And I like playing with my little sister," said Gianni Brattesani.
The study found that around 30-percent of teens play video games that are rated 'mature or adults only.' But 50-percent were playing games that made them think about moral or ethical issues.
