Education Expert Slams Video Games as Gifts for Boys
Boys are spending more than thirteen hours a week playing video games. As a result, they’re spending less time outdoors playing and exercising. Perhaps this is partially why they are four times more likely to be obese than they were thirty years ago.
Research consistently confirms that the more time boys spend playing video games, the more likely they are to do poorly in school—regardless of age. At a time when boys are already underperforming in school, video games only make the situation worse.
Many recent studies suggest that playing video games saps the motivation of boys and disconnects them from the real world… Violent video games are especially harmful. A definite link has been established between violent video games and antisocial behavior. Games like Grand Theft Auto and Halo can make your son more aggressive.
So if you’re thinking of buying video games for your son this holiday season, you might want to reconsider.
I am not a big fan of the first argument, its a broad statement it can be used for anything. Kids who watch to much TV or spend to much time on Myspace can have this same problem. Also varsity football players who spend to much time practicing and in the gym can have these same issues.