If you have a child, you probably have at least one game console at home, too. But how often do you let your children play, and how closely do you monitor what they are playing? And how young is too young for video games?
Some studies, such as this one reported in a National Geographic article, suggest that playing video games can increase hand-eye coordination and fine motor skills. "Action video gamers tend to be more attuned to their surroundings while performing tasks like driving down a residential street, where they may be more likely to pick out a child running after a ball than a non-video gamer," the article said.
An American Psychological Association study links violent video games with violent and anti-social behavior. "Violent video games are significantly associated with: increased aggressive behavior, thoughts, and affect; increased physiological arousal; and decreased prosocial (helping) behavior," read the article.
In another study reported in the Denver Post, a researcher linked video game withdrawal to violent behavior, citing the Columbine school shooting as an extreme example.
As to the hand-eye coordination, I have to agree without a doubt. In moderation, the games can be a great way to keep kids using their problem solving skills. I think as long as parents stay involved (even playing with their kids sometimes) game systems can have many benefits.
As far as computer games are considered, there is a wonderful website/browser called KidZui. Your kids only have access to those sites that YOU approve of. Love that they have a built in monitoring system too, each week (or as often as you want) they e-mail me a report of exactly what my daughter has been up to!