The Benefits of Video Games on Children and Teens

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My son participates in the Noogieland support group for kids at Gilda's Club.  Research was done at the Massachusetts General Hospital and Harvard Medical School.  The book Grand Theft Childhood is based on this research.  The book was written by Cheryl Olson and Lawrence Kutner who are co-founders and directors of the Harvard Medical School's Center for Mental Health & Media.  There are many interesting findings from this research but the following findings are the most interesting:

• Games may encourage and provide an outlet for creativity
• Games may help kids manage difficult emotions (coping with stress, anger)
  
• Games allow kids to try on roles and behaviors in a safe environment

          2/3 of the boys surveyed as well as 1/2 of the girls surveyed played video games because
          it helps them relax.
          Many also played to forget about their problems.
          Close to 1/2 of all boys surveyed and nearly 1/3 of all girls surveyed played to get their anger out.

• Provide a focus for socializing--especially for boys
• Games may promote involvement in sports or science