Effects of Video Games on Adolescents’ Health

ELVIN CHAU
Staff Writer

Parents typically try to prevent children from playing video games because of the bad influence that they may have on a child’s mind and their distracting nature. However, a study in 2013 by the American Psychological Association (APA) revealed that playing video games improves the player’s mind and ability to look at a different reality because games often utilize three-dimensional graphics, which therefore gives video game players an analytical brain to process that relates to academics such as science, technology and mathematics.

“I have played video games ever since I was nine years old and still play video games today. It helps me develop a better mind to process the puzzles that I face when I am dealing with schoolwork such as math and science,” junior Brandon Ly said.

However, some disagree with the idea that video games can be beneficial.

“I am not much a video game person because I do not have the time for it, and I feel fine just the way I am without them,” sophomore Jose Gonzalez said.

Violent video games that are rated M such as Grand Theft Auto or Call of Duty can get into a child’s mind and change their behavior and view of the outside world, according to National Public Radio (NPR).

“Video games to me are an addiction when they are played too much. They take away study time when kids have to do their homework and it also [negatively affects their sleep] because of the bright lights on the screen,” school nurse Anita Man said.