The average teenager spends ten hours playing video games every week.

Society usually has a negative misconception about video games, believing that they make teens lazy and distract them from studying; however, it fails to understand the physical and social benefits it brings to individuals. Teenagers and children should be encouraged to play video games, because they have massive potential to positively affect their lives.

Even though some people believe that gaming habits are unhealthy, the reality is that gaming stimulates teens brains significantly, improving cognitive skills. Some of the Columbus School´s most creative and innovative students are active gamers. One student, who loves free roaming games, is a talented photographer and entrepreneur. While his talent might not be a direct result from gaming, the visual aspects of the games he plays, surely influence his eye for a creative photo. After mastering the mechanical functions of a game, every player can turn it into a different thing; for example, playing hide and seek in a Grand Theft Auto session, stimulating creativity massively. Cognitive skills development is definitely a reason why parent should encourage children to play video games.

According to the journal of neuroscience: 3D Video games such as FIFA or NBA2K are able to improve the memory, due to the stimulation received from virtual three dimensional environments. Gamers are constantly stimulating their memory, as they are required to memorize elements of each game through its entirety. Games constantly played by Columbus School Students such as Minecraft or Fortnight are able to improve spatial orientation and strategic planning skills. These skills could help students massively regarding educational life, planning projects and organizing homework accordingly to their strengths.

Apart from all the cognitive benefits, video games also develop a social aspect. Most video games played by teens have online modes. These modes encourage players to work collectively to reach a specific goal. The majority of games I play allow me to interact verbally with people from all over the world, creating new social relationships every day. For example, games like Grand Theft Auto have heists in which at least four online players are required to complete any mission. “I am not a very social person but these games encourage me to work together with other people. I usually play cooperative games with new people every day,” Eduardo Velez, local gamer said. Parents should encourage us to play online to create new social relationships through games.

Video games have a huge potential to increase creativity, memory and social skills. Our parents should encourage us to explore the digital world and allow us to enrich ourselves with all the benefits they may bring to our lives.