Are video games all bad? Sure, everyone knows seven year-old Timmy should not be playing Grand Theft Auto probably, but there has to be some redeeming value to some game out there for him, right? The Northwestern of Oshkosh, Wisconsin contends that issue is, as always, a little complicated.

The article in question profiles one family which recently started allowed their children to play video games. Their reaction so far has been that the games have taught their children about sharing and that losing is a part of life. Sounds like great life lessons. However, they do note tat gaming time is limited in their household.

Moderation is the key, according to Valerie Zapolsky, M.D., pediatrician at Aurora Health Center in Oshkosh. She does note that as far as educational games, they really aren’t useful for preschool age and even beyond that the “education” in most titles is simply marketing hype. But, she says for older kids, “Doing flashcards at home is wicked boring. But if you do them with blinking lights, where you earn points and get to play something for a few minutes …”

Of course, one article, or one study for that matter, isn’t going to change the myriad of opinions held on this issue. However, as Zapolsky implies, perhaps games can be based off established learning systems with a few bells and whistles thrown in to garner attention. So while Donkey Kong Jr. Math might not be the highpoint of educational games, there might be an actual highpoint to strive for.

Related posts:

1. Mayo Clinic finds games can be healthy; suggests more games should make you move
2. Video games may actually stall weight gain
3. A tax on games should include a tax on Doritos
4. University of Buffalo study draws link between games and being fat
5. Why video games are the big fat wizard behind the curtain

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