Do you think that modern technology, such as the internet and computers will ever replace the book or the written word as the main source of information?

Access to computers has increased significantly over recent decades, and the number of children playing games on computers has increased too.

This

essay will consider the positive and negative impacts of

this

and discuss ways to avoid the potential negative effects. With regards to the positive effects, playing computer games can develop children’s cognitive skills. Many popular games require abstract and high level thinking skills in order to win, skills that may not be taught at school.

For example

, children need to follow instructions, solve complex problems and use logic in many of the games that are currently popular.

Such

experience will be beneficial to a child’s progression into an adult.

However

, concerns have been raised about the prolific use of computer games by children, much of

this

related to the violence they contain. The problem is that in many of the games children are rewarded for being more violent, and

this

violence is repeated again and again.

For instance

, many games involve children helping their character to kill, kick, stab and shoot.

This

may lead to increased aggressive feelings, thoughts, and behaviours. In order to minimize these negative impacts, parents need to take certain steps.

Firstly

, some video games are rated

according their content

Suggestion

according to their content

, so parents must check

this

and ensure their children are not allowed to have access to games that are unsuitable. Parents can

also

set limits on the length of time games are played.

Finally

, parents should

also

take an active interest in the games their children are playing so they can find out how they feel about what they are observing. To sum up, there are benefits of computer games, but there are disadvantages too.

However

, if parents take adequate precautions, the severity of these negative impacts can be avoided.