Video Games That are Good for Children
Prosocial, Conflict Resolution and Classroom Games
Jun 22, 2009
Parents are more than concerned about the time their children spend before the television and video games. After all, studies have shown that violent video games affect the biological systems of boys, specifically the central physiological systems of the body that control heart rate and sleep mechanism. Children who play video games have also demonstrated a tendency to behave in a violent and aggressive manner in their actual lives.
Psychologists have long pondered the link between practicing aggression through simulated games and behaving aggressively in real life. Does the same mechanism work in non-violent games such as prosocial , conflict resolution or classroom games?
Prosocial Games
These are games with characters that help each other in non violent ways. In essence, they are the direct opposites of violent games. In prosocial games, children practice acts of helpfulness and kindness; they practice generosity and selflessness by comforting those in need and taking action when they meet others who ask for help.
One of the first studies to document the positive effects of prosocial games is a report published in the June 2009 issue of Personality and Social Psychology Bulletin. This report documents three separate studies conducted in different countries each using different scientific approaches. Despite their differences, all these studies reveal that playing games with prosocial themes have a positive impact on children. All three studies demonstrate that playing social games increase the tendency of players to behave in a manner that benefits others. If violent games increase the tendency of children to behave aggressively, playing prosocial games increases the player’s altruistic and cooperative behavior.
Conflict Resolution Video Game
Scientists have also designed a video game that teaches children conflict resolution. Called “Cool School: Where Peace Rules,” this new game helps children learn ways to solve playground and classroom quarrels without resorting to the fist. Using scenarios that are typical of a school child’s life, designers challenge children to consider conflict resolution actions when faced with bullying and school violence issues.
By allowing children to choose among three options, the game empowers children to make choices and see the potential consequences that result from the choices they have made. This aspect of the game makes it a powerful learning tool that teaches without imposing a specific viewpoint on the child.
Video Games in the Classroom
More than ever now, teachers are considering the use of specially designed video games in the classroom. The Federation of American Scientists is beginning to explore the use of these games to encourage team building, problem solving, multi-tasking and developing analytical skills. One teacher reports that once she started using video games to teach Spanish in her class, the students’ reading and writing skills improved. The benefits of using gaming tools in class are tremendous.
Video games are perfect teachers: they are consistent in their manner of teaching; they never lose patience and they encourage interaction. Most of all, they already have a captive audience in the young generation.
Designers of video games are recognizing that the technology can serve a useful purpose if the content of the games are directed towards positive enhancement of social, emotional and intellectual skills.
University of Michigan (2009, June 18). Some Video Games Can Make Children Kinder And More Likely To Help. ScienceDaily. Retrieved June 22, 2009, from ScienceDaily Press Releases.
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