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Given the problems that ADHD kids have with inattention, this is particularly relevant when we have to consider the question of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder and video games.
The report which was published in Pediatrics also covers the difficult question of watching TV and other media.
This report was about a twelve month study carried out by The Iowa State University.
The researchers found that those children who had been watching video games for more than two hours were reported to be having attention problems in the classroom and at home.
Usually parenting organisations and other experts recommend that the time limited to this media should not exceed two hours a day.
The more time the children spent on video games, the more attention problems they had at school.
As we can imagine the implications for ADHD kids are enormous.
It would seem that this is a problem which will have to be addressed, especially when we consider that most entertainment and even learning now is based on screen technology.
Every child in the country is glued to some sort of screen.
What a pity they have not got their heads in a book! There are other problems connected with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder and video games in that there is a definite risk of addiction.
Try telling a kid to stop playing and the reply will be that he does not want to lose the level he has already reached.
There will probably be hostility and aggression present as well.
The dangers are there of addiction and social isolation.
I know of one ADHD kid who played the Diablo 2 war game every day for two years and gained 170 lbs! What a waste of energy! Kids are losing out on outdoor activities which can get rid of pent up energy for hyperactivity whereas video games can shut the kid into a doubtful, violent and fast moving world which is light years from the reality of school and home life.
There are some advantages of course in being able to be quick and expert at these games.
For example hand-eye coordination can be enormously improved.
I know one family who bought the game 'Rock Band' and their kids are limited in its use but they have gone on to actually start learning the guitar and drums.
Other research done by NASA suggests that video games can actually improve focus and attention and control.
The fact that they can get short term rewards can apparently stimulate the dopamine brain transmitter which is important for motivation.
The research was done to test astronauts' attention levels on long space trips.
Obviously more research needs to be done especially in the area of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder and video games.
So there we have it.
Every parent will have to decide how much gaming and computer time is right for their children.
Moderation and a wide variety of different activities is probably the best approach.
I would hate my kid to be a slave to a war game!
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