Video games have been blamed for doing all sorts of harm to kids ever since they were invented (video games, that is -- not kids).
But how much of the hype is really true?
Not much, as it turns out.
Here's what we learned when we took a look at 5 of the biggest myths surrounding video games and the supposedly horrible things they can do to kids.
Myth #1 Violence in video games makes kids more aggressive.
Not according to research! In fact, no conclusive evidence linking violent games to increased violent behavior has ever been found.
Myth #2 Video games can cause or aggravate ADHD in children.
On the contrary, some experts say that "video games provide a sense of accomplishment that can be rare in the lives of kids suffering from this disorder." Some video games can even treat ADHD!
Myth #3 Video games can lead to depression and/or anxiety in kids.
Get this: Some teens actually respond better to special cognitive behavior video games than they do to actual counseling!
Myth #4 Video games make kids fat.
Again, science says otherwise. No "causal link" has been found between video games and childhood obesity rates (can't say the same for fast food!).
Myth #5 Video games are to blame when kids get bad grades.
The dots don't connect here either, research shows. Sure, it's a good idea for kids to do their homework before they play, but otherwise? One has surprisingly little to do with the other.
Interesting, right? Time to panic about something else, everybody!
Do you think any of these myths are true?
Image via Anthony Crider/Flickr
This Hot Dad Wants to Do Your Ironing
This Hot Dad Wants to Cook You Dinner
This Hot Dad Cooks AND Does the Dishes
Kanye West is Gay?! 
Comments 13
violent video games can and do desensitize the gamer to violence -- studies back this up.
http://phys.org/news8756.html
Well, researchers (who I am sure are not biased, hired by video game companies, or any such thing) can put forth all the proof they want that video games are not damaging, and I will still believe the opposite. My husband is a certifiable gaming addict, and despite my protesting, he continues to play violent video games while our toddler is in the room. Our toddler who has taken to terrorizing the dogs with "guns" (basically any toy she happens to have in her hands at the time). Our toddler who recently punched me in the stomach (like the character on the video game her father had been playing) and yelled, "I killed you! You dead Mommy!"
KarmicChild, sounds like a pretty horrible parenting job on his part. If I were you I wouldnt tolerate his behavior at all because obviously its only doing harm to your toddler. That being said, I do think violent video games only do harm to young kids (they give games a rating for a reason) but i think that some video games can be good for some basic skills. My 4 year old step son loves playing video games, we limit it to games like Mario though (and hes pretty good at it). I think it helps him on how to judge timing and he has learned sharing through it too, he will take turns with his brother. He also plays educational games and they have helped him learn to do math. All good things. That being said, I know one of his moms friends plays violent games, and when he sees him playing games he will tell us very innappropriate things (one time he told us how everybody has bloody red guts). parents need to watch what their kids are playing, but still not think that all games are bad.
1) Violent video games may not make a child more likely to inflict violence him/herself, but it will desensitize them to violence which is bad because then violence becomes "normal" in their mind, when it should never be normal.
2) It may not cause or aggravate ADHD but then we STILL don't have enough information about the causes of ADHD, so this is inconclusive in my book.
3) Depression/anxiety in children is not something that can be cured with video games, even if SOME teenagers respond well. If my child was depressed or anxious, I would be looking for professional help, not sitting them down to play a game.
4) No, video games don't make kids fat AS LONG as they are physically active. The problem is, too many parents let their kids spend HOURS in front of a game console AND allow their children to eat junk food while playing.
5) Video games do result in poor grades IF their parents let them play all day and don't make sure they do their homework.
In conclusion, I will say that I don't have a problem with video games. I DO have a problem with parents who treat their video game console as a babysitter and THAT is the reason why you're game-playing kid is fat and doing poorly in school. I also believe that parents need to use a little common sense in what games they play when the kids are arounnd as well as the games that your kid is playing. And don't give in to your kid that insists that they HAVE to have the newest shoot 'em up bang bang game because ALL their friends have it.
BE THE PARENT AND DON'T LET THE GAME CONSOLE BE A BABYSITTER!