Some people say that computer games are bad for children by all means, others believe that these games are contributing to children’s development. Discuss both views and give your own opinion.

1Children nowadays spend several hours playing video games; since the last few years these games have become increasingly popular. While some experts think that these games corrupt the brain, 2others feelsome others also feel that computer games may actually teach 3childrenkids high-level thinking skills for 4thetheir future. This essay shall consider both perspectives and end at a personal approach.

Parents usually 5complain that their child is addictedcomplain of their child being addicted to video games, 6for example, by playing for two hours at a timelike playing for 2 hours at a stretch, 7but in practicebut practically but 8the amount of time is not the central issuethe time issue is a red herring. This is a normal time for a child to play – 9whether video games or something elsevideo game or otherwise. 10Another concern is that these games are too violentAnother issue is of these games being too violent. Although there’s no concrete research linking violent games to violence in real life, common sense says we should limit a child’s exposure 11becauseas such games glamorize violence and are not realistic. 12Playing video games can be considered to be an addiction or detrimental if it disrupts or compromises other important things in children’s life, for instance if they can’t concentrate on their homework because of gaming or have no friendships.

14When a child plays video games, it gives his brain a real workout. In many video games, the skills required to win involve abstract and high level thinking. In shooting games, the character may be running and shooting at the same time, 15thereby developingwhich develops hand-eye coordination, fine motor and spatial skills. In strategy games, for example, while developing a city, an unexpected 16eventsurprise like an enemy attack might emerge. This forces the player to be flexible and 17quickly change tactics, think quickly, and analyse situations rapidlyquickly change tactics enabling quick thinking and making fast analysis. Because of all these factors, video games are deemed to be 18more beneficial than harmfulmore constructive than harming.

In closing, I’d say computer games are contributing to children’s development, though in an 19unconventional wayunconventional sort of way. We cannot deny that we are now living in a high-tech, sophisticated 20world, soworld so an all-out negative attitude towards computer gaming is not reasonable. 21A balanced approach to gamingLevel-headedness in such matters can help curb the damaging effects.