While many parents are rightfully concerned about how video games affect their children, a recent study shows that gaming can actually be beneficial to child development.
According to new research by the Center for Mental Health and Media at Massachusetts General Hospital, video games can help children learn academics, social interaction, cooperation and even history lessons. Additionally, video games can provide an outlet for creativity and help children manage difficult emotions, the study found.
“Parents may worry about the appeal of violent content in games, but our research suggests that children enjoy video games more for the chance to figure out problems, express creativity, compete with friends and even teach friends how to play,” said Cheryl Olson, who spearheaded the research.
Olson stated parents still need to establish boundaries on where children play games. Moving a gaming console into a common area of the house and connecting it to an HD-TV, LED monitor or HDMI projector keeps parents aware of what their children are playing, and parents may even find themselves drawn into the game.
“Allowing your child to teach you how to play a video game is a great way to build your relationship and share interests,” Olson said.
