Contents

• Introduction
• Types of computer games
• Positive Influence of Computer Games on Children
• Negative Influences of Computer Games on Children
• The Role of Parents and Teachers
• Conclusion
• References

Description

Children are increasingly playing computer games these days. Video games and computer games have assumed prominent role in the culture of children especially in the developed countries (Steve Dorman, 1997). Some of the reasons ascribed to increasing indulgence in children in computer games are urbanization, less social and physical interaction among children after school as a result of urbanization, lesser space available to play physical games etc. Playing computer games have positive as well as negative influences on children. The parents and teaching staff therefore need to understand the point where they need to draw the line. Computer games played for shorter durations are proved to have positive benefits on children’s mental capabilities (BBC, 2005). They tend to increase mental reflexes of growing children. The paper discusses some of the benefits and negative influences of playing computer games on children. The paper establishes the role of parents and teachers in regulating the use of computer games. The paper also tries to identify a cut off point beyond which playing computer games could be harmful to children.