Video games and children


Playing video games has become1 a popular activity for people of all ages2. Video gaming is a multibillion-dollar industry bringing in more money than movies3 and DVDs.
On average4, girls spend5 more than an hour per day playing video games and boys spend more than two hours. Teens often6 spend even more7 time than younger children. Video games have become very sophisticated and realistic. Some games connect to the internet, which can allow8 children and teenagers9 to play games and have discussions with unknown10 adults and peers11.
While12 some games have educational content, many of the most popular games emphasize13 negative themes and promote:
·         The killing14 of people or animals
·         The use and abuse of drugs and alcohol
·         Criminal behavior15, disrespect for authority and the law
·         Sexual exploitation16 and violence toward17 women
·         Racial, sexual, and gender18 prejudice19
·         Foul language20 and obscene gestures
Studies of children exposed to21 violent media have shown22 that they may23 become numb24 to violence, imitate the violence, and show more aggressive behavior. Younger children and those with emotional, behavioral25 or learning problems26 may be more influenced by violent images.
In moderation, playing age-appropriate games can be enjoyable27 and healthy28. Some video games may promote29 learning, problem solving30 and help with the development31 of motor skills32 and coordination. However33, there are concerns about34 the effect of video games on young people who play videogames excessively.
Children and teenagers can become overly involved with35 videogames. They may have difficulty controlling the amount of time36 they play. They may resist their parents’ attempts37 to limit their time playing video games. Spending excessive time playing these games can lead to38:
·         Less time socializing with friends and family
·         Poor social skills
·         Time away from39 family time, school work, and other hobbies
·         Lower grades40
·         Less reading
·         Less exercise and becoming overweight41
·         Decreased sleep42 and poor quality sleep
·         Aggressive thoughts43 and behaviors
Parents can help their children enjoy these video games appropriately and avoid problems by:
·         Avoiding44 video games in preschool-aged children
·         Playing videogames with their children to share46 the experience and discuss the game’s content
·         Setting46 clear rules about game content and playing time, both in and outside47 the home
·         Monitoring online interactions and warning48 children about potential dangers of Internet contacts while playing games online
·         Allowing49 video game playing only in public areas of the home, not in the child’s bedroom
·         Remembering that you are a role model50 for your children including which video games you play and how long you play them
·         Ensuring51 video games are only played after homework are done
·         Encouraging52 participation in other activities, particularly physical activities
Vocabulary
1.       has become = tem se tornado
2.       of all ages = de todas as idades
3.       movies = filmes
4.       On average = em media
5.       Spend = passam
6.       Often = frequentemente
7.       even more = ainda mais
8.       which can allow = o que pode permitir
9.       teenagers = adolescentes
10.   unknown = desconhecido
11.   peers = pessoas da mesma idade
12.   While = enquanto
13.   Emphasize = enfatizar
14.   Killing = matança
15.   Behavior = comportamento
16.   Exploitation = exploração
17.   Toward = em relação a
18.   Gender = gênero, sexo
19.   Prejudice = preconceito
20.   Foul language = linguagem vulgar
21.   exposed to = exposto a
22.   have shown = tem mostrado
23.   May = podem (possibilidade)
24.   Numb = paralisado, adormecido
25.   Behavioral = comportamental
26.   learning problems = problemas de aprendizado
27.   enjoyable = agradável
28.   healthy = saudável
29.   promote = promover
30.   problem solving = resolução de problemas
31.   development = desenvolvimento
32.   motor skills = habilidades motoras excelentes
33.   However = contudo
34.   concerns about = preocupações a respeito de
35.   overly involved with = excessivamente envolvidos com
36.   amount of time = quantia de tempo
37.   parents’ attempts = tentativas dos pais
38.   lead to = conduzir a
39.   Time away from = tempo longe de
40.   Lower grades = notas mais baixas
41.   becoming overweight = ficar acima do peso, obeso
42.   Decreased sleep = diminuição do sono
43.   Aggressive thoughts = pensamentos agressivos
44.   Avoiding = evitando
45.   Share = compartilhar
46.   Setting = estabelecendo
47.   both in and outside = tanto dentro quanto for a
48.   warning = alertando
49.   Allowing = permitindo
50.   role model = modelo a seguir
51.   Ensuring = assegurando-se que
52.   Encouraging = encorajando