Does it really matter if young children are exposed to computer
games?
Try our True or False
quiz.
Computer games are good for children because.....
they help children get rid of angry feelings
False
- There is no proof that playing violent games helps children
get rid of their anger.
- There is plenty of proof that playing violent games can maintain
and exacerbate angry feelings.
they improve children’s reflexes
False
- Practice at almost anything will improve performance.
- Playing real life ball games might do the job as well.
- Excessive computer use can lead to problems with posture, eyestrain
or repetitive strain injuries.
the violence is just fantasy
False
- The player of computer games is put in the position of being
the perpetrator of the violence, and is rewarded for being good
at it.
- Many games these days are highly realistic. The fantasy doesn’t
necessarily diminish the impact of being rewarded for being the
best at violence.
computer skills will help them get a job
False
- While computer skills with many office applications may be
useful in getting a job, game playing doesn’t necessarily
help develop these computer skills, or to appreciate the computer
as a productive work tool.
- Playing computer games is often more similar to playing poker
machines than to using a computer in a work setting.
- A child or young person who has learnt to use their imagination,
and to be a creative and innovative thinker, will be far better
equipped to succeed in the world of work.
Young Media Australia recommends …
If purchasing a computer game, first check the cover of the game
closely, including its classification and its advertised ‘features’.
Rent and preview the game yourself. Look around for games which
provide more constructive learning than some more heavily marketed
games. Monitor computer and video game use at home, including setting
up some reasonable boundaries about how much time can be spent playing
computer games and what other priorities your child needs to include
in their daily life.
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