Study Says Games Good For Children
Refutes tabloid sensationalism over violent games
Well, here’s a refreshing change. A recent government study has claimed that playing videogames may actually be beneficial for children. Plus, it also goes on to outline that there is little proof that even violent games trigger aggressive behaviour.
The Observer reported yesterday on the study, which was ordered by ministers, following last year’s tabloid media frenzy following the Manhunt debacle - the case of the fatal stabbing of 14-year old Stefan Pakeerah, whose attacker was supposedly obsessed with the game. The case spurred a number of sensationalist, poorly-researched headlines across the UK’s tabloid media, calling for blanket bans on violent videogames.
The results in this recent study actually show up evidence that playing games can improve a child’s decision-making skills and encourage 'positive learning traits'. The argument is also made that make-believe violence can help children to 'conquer fears and develop a sense of identity', just in the way that gruesome fairytales do.
The overall, rather vague conclusion of the review, was that concerns over violent games reflect deeper social concerns about 'the changing nature of childhood in a modern world'.
Most research which suggests a direct link between violent games and increased aggressive behaviour in children comes from America. Little of this research takes into account the context in which children played games.
SPOnG is very glad to hear that ministers are understood to be planning talks with the games industry about helping parents understand age-labelling on games and helping them to choose titles with their children.
The Observer reported yesterday on the study, which was ordered by ministers, following last year’s tabloid media frenzy following the Manhunt debacle - the case of the fatal stabbing of 14-year old Stefan Pakeerah, whose attacker was supposedly obsessed with the game. The case spurred a number of sensationalist, poorly-researched headlines across the UK’s tabloid media, calling for blanket bans on violent videogames.
The results in this recent study actually show up evidence that playing games can improve a child’s decision-making skills and encourage 'positive learning traits'. The argument is also made that make-believe violence can help children to 'conquer fears and develop a sense of identity', just in the way that gruesome fairytales do.
The overall, rather vague conclusion of the review, was that concerns over violent games reflect deeper social concerns about 'the changing nature of childhood in a modern world'.
Most research which suggests a direct link between violent games and increased aggressive behaviour in children comes from America. Little of this research takes into account the context in which children played games.
SPOnG is very glad to hear that ministers are understood to be planning talks with the games industry about helping parents understand age-labelling on games and helping them to choose titles with their children.