Effects of Video Games Approximately sixty-seven percent of American households play video games and spend an average of almost eight hours per week playing. The video game industry has grown significantly over the past decade. Thanks to new technological advancements, millions of people play video games on their phones, tablets, computers, and game consoles. Most people who play video games are adults, but young children and teenagers are introduced to games. The effects of video games on children and adolescents can be both good and bad. Video games have some negative effects. Video games can have a negative impact on the health of children and adolescents. Gambling carries several health risks, such as obesity and epilepsy. Children and teenagers can sometimes get carried away with games that they don't have time to practice. Parents should limit gaming or purchase games that involve fun sporting activities, such as a Wii. People with epilepsy are also at risk since color changes on the video game screen can lead to a seizure. Addiction can also be a problem among video game players. Some children and adolescents spend countless hours sitting in front of a television or computer screen. People addicted to video games have a hard time quitting them, just like any other addiction. Squire mentions that "games can be convincing to players, and any convincing behavior can become addictive." Children and adolescents may become more irritable, tired, and lazy as a result of addiction. This can significantly affect a person's attention span, which, in turn, could lead to learning problems. A common argument against video games is that they cause violence. Many studies have been done and data collected, but experts are divided on whether... middle of article ......ed (Granic). Sociability is very important for children and adolescents, which is why play is an easy solution. The child or adolescent does not have to leave the house. Granic notes that "more than 70% of gamers play with a friend, and millions of people around the world participate in massive virtual worlds through video games such as 'Farmville' and 'World of Warcraft.' Although video gaming has some negative effects, there are several positive factors to consider. Video games can enhance mental and physical abilities, but when played excessively, they are harmful. Violent video games can make children and adolescents more aggressive, but they also help stimulate young children's learning and creativity. Overall, it is important to weigh the potential risks and benefits of video games before deciding whether or not to let a child or teen play them...