Surprising report on. the harmfulness of video games
The effect of video games on children is not all that bad, as is commonly believed – results from a report commissioned by the European Parliament. “The influence of video games on the psyche of children seems obvious, but (…) is generally positive, and possible adverse effects are difficult to assess” – stated the EP in a press release, referring to the expert report commissioned by the. the EP's internal market. According to this document, 15 proc. Game lovers in the EU spends in front of the screen to say the least 14 hours a week. It is true less, than in front of the TV, but much more, than the time you spend reading books or magazines. Including – according to the report – there is possibly the problem of computer games, not in their content. At the same time, the same experts relativize the harmful consequences of children's spending many hours playing video games. It is difficult to judge – argued on Wednesday at the committee meeting – how much of this time could be used for activities considered more useful: sport or science. Similarly – In their opinion – it is impossible to prove, that video games have a negative impact on the family or social life of amateurs. As for the content of the games, it all depends, whether they reach users, for which they are intended – explained by the secretary general of ISFE (Interactive Software Federation of Europe), that is, the European association of video and computer game producers, Patrice Chazerand. The EU's age-specific labeling system serves this purpose (the so-called. GO). Chazerand recalled, that it is addressed primarily to parents, responsible for checking, whether their children enjoy age-appropriate games. Similarly, they should decide, whether the child spends his free time playing games, or e.g.. playing outdoors. By the way, he said, that games long ago ceased to be toys for children – the age of the average EU player is at least 30 Years.
So it's hard to be outraged by the brutal content in games, since many of them are intended for adults. Prof. Jeffrey Goldstein from the University of Utrecht, in turn, assured the MEPs, that video games are useful for the development of children's cognitive skills and can even be 40 proc. improve their learning ability. In his opinion, there is no scientific proof of this, that violent games lead to violent behavior. – A game is a game, and behavior is behavior – the professor declared.
Based on this study, Dutch liberal MEP Toine Manders prepared a report on video games, which the internal market committee is expected to adopt in February, and then – the entire European Parliament in plenary. The report says, that video games, “beyond its entertainment character, they can also be used for educational purposes”. Underlines, That “stimulate the acquisition of knowledge about facts and competences such as strategic thinking, creativity, cooperation and a sense of innovation”.
Not quite trusting, apparently prof. Goldsteinowi, Manders MEP admitted in his report, That “under certain circumstances, the violence of some video games can lead to violent behavior”. And for some players – added – a taste for games can turn into an addiction.
Manders is concerned primarily about the risk of not having parental control, which is greatest in games downloaded from the Internet or on a mobile phone, or on-line games. First of all, the use of the PEGI system is limited there. To give parents more control, MEP proposes to equip game consoles and computers in “red button”, which would allow parents to disconnect games or control access at certain times.
