Video games provide new outlets for children to develop skills

The increased popularity of video games in recent years have caused a lot of questions to be raised over the effect they will have on children.

It is well known that modern children spend a good portion of their time playing video games, enjoying games such as Minecraft and Legend of Zelda. These games actually benefit players in many ways.

Through quest-based games, such as Legend of Zelda, children can develop their problem solving skills as they complete tasks.

The on-screen text may also assist in teaching the child to read or bettering their reading comprehension. Completing a quest will also give the child a sense of accomplishment benefitting their self-esteem and confidence. This same confidence can be acquired after finishing a big project in a Minecraft.

Games such as Minecraft require players to be creative and innovative in order to complete their “worlds.” These “worlds,” created by the player, provide the setting for all game play the majority of which entails “crafting” new things for the world and “mining” for supplies.

The time and patience it takes to gather these supplies teach children responsibility and perseverance as things will often get stolen or blown up by creepers.

The elaborate buildings created in Minecraft worlds show children that they are able to do anything they can put their minds to.

These games help develop creativity that will benefit a child for the rest of their lives.

The sharing feature on this game also allows children to share their worlds with their friends, connecting devises and games.

Most video games have features similar to this, such as multi-player or ability to join games. This allows for children to spend time with friends while developing the aforementioned characteristics.

Communicating with friends helps develop social skills in children and fosters a venue for healthy competition. Competition that stems from the challenge to build better, create better, and achieve more than their friends.

Gaming, however, can negatively influence children’s lives as well.

Their obsession with video games could keep them from going outside or joining athletic activities.

Absorption in technology is already showing its affects as the obesity rate is rising at a steady rate.

This problem is treatable, however. New features on electronic devises allow parents to control how long their children can spend playing games and many game developers have released toys to reenact the game in real life.

The online features on popular games also pose a potential threat to the safety of children. Online forum-style games are not censored and accessible by virtually everyone.

The positive effects of video games do outweigh the potential risks. The problem solving skills developed through quest-based games and creativity encouraged in self-designed games will benefit a child not only in their immediate future but for the rest of their lives.