Are video games the cause of violence and obesity with children?  

I don't think video games cause obesity in children. It's the parents fault for not turning off the video game and making the children get up and do something that is active. I do think that video games can be very mesmerizing for children and could possible cause violence and aggression.

there's probably some link there, jenintn. however, the gizmo called video games is not all to blame for obese children. even if they (children) indulge in long hours of playing video games, if they have correct and proper eating habits, i think no problem will ensue. moreover, early education of what's healthy and what's and proper upbringing can countervail violent tendencies and overeating.

It's funny that you started this discussion at this time. My cousin & I were recently talking about this very subject. I have a nephew who does nothing else but play video games throughout the day. He has been acting out because of this & is very obsessive with winning the games. He literally throws tantrums if he does not win. My cousin & I were saying that when we were younger we hated to be stuck inside. Even in the Winter we wanted to go out & play. It's not like we didn't have Atari back then to play with, but we would much rather be outside playing rather then in. It's sad that children today are missing out on so much of their childhood simply because of video games.

I think yes, but not entirely 'cause there's also television, movies and news that children watches. But for me, it's more of the lack of a parent's guidance. Nowadays, parents tends to use video games and all those hi-tech toys to entertain their children when they're busy with work and so, everyday children play and get influenced by the violence that they see on the videos and some times they get so into the game and they loses track of their eating time. Other children become obese 'cause they don't do any healthy exercise except sit in front of their TVs and play video while they almost forget to eat.

I believe everything can be balanced with just the right guidance and self discipline.

Ciao!

Partially right I would say but I think Parents should be one to supervised their children not to overplay video games and well do some punishment and reward for their sakes. I mean we can't really deny how many video games industries are already launching to have profit in children playing their games. The world wouldn't care as technology grows. This topic could also relate the "Advance Technology = Lazy People".

I haven't ever given this any thought. It might be because I don't have any children but I'm sure as far as the obesity part, they might be bad for them. I can remember when children, especially boys, preferred to be outdoors playing sports rather than staying in the house so much. They got more exercise this way. I'm also pretty certain that video games are the cause of so much violence. Kathy.

I do think extensive video game playing is bad for children and parents need to learn when to turn the game off and make their children play, preferrably outdoors. Not only do I think video game playing promotes violence and is a factor in child obesity, look what the kids are losing out on, the advantages of baseball, basketball, soccer, etc. I don't have any kids, but if I did, I really don't think we'd have a video game in the house.

Two words: good parenting.

It's all about how the parents raise the child. If they do a crap job, then they'll turn out crap! I loved video games as a child, but my parents never let me play them too much because they wanted me to be more outdoorsy. But to this day I'm still an indoorsy person, and I still love video games! And I'm neither overweight nor a violent criminal.

In moderation, as with most things in life, video games are not harmful. It is when children are allowed to play them constantly and not get outside to play, or read or even draw or play music. It is getting so some children are allowed to play video games all day because it will keep them occupied and the parents don't have to watch over them, or even interact with them. There are adults who are the same way with playing games all day long.

Dear friend,
I do hope that may be not in case of all children. There would be some. But I feel other medias too make impact on the children. Some video games if the child get mentally too much involved in that I hope it may effect that child. Moreover there are also good creative video games that help to give those children a better mental growth.