The impact of video games on children ( Part I )

Video games have been available to consumers for the last 30 years. They are an unique form of entertainment because they encourage players to become a part of the game's script. Today's sophisticated video games require players to pay constant attention to the game, rather than passively watching a movie. This have both positive and negative impacts on players. Several studies have been published that explore this impacts on today's children.


What impact does playing video games have on children or adolescents?


The most widely used positive impact video games are said to have on children is that they may improve a player's manual dexterity and computer literacy. Ever-improving technology also provides players with better graphics that give a more "realistic" virtual playing experience.
This quality makes the video game industry a powerful force in many adolescent lives. However, numerous studies shows that video games, especially ones with violent content, make teens more aggressive.
Part of the increase in aggressive behavior is linked to the amount of time children are allowed to play video games. In one study by Walsh(2000), a majority of teens admitted that their parents do not impose a time limit on the numbers of hours they are allowed to play video games. The studies also showed that most parents are unaware of the content or the Entertainment Software Rating Board (ESRB) rating of the video games their children play.
In another study conducted by Gentile, Lynch, Linder and Walsh adolescent girls played video games on an average of 5 hours a week, whereas boys averaged 13 hours a week. The authors also stated that teens the played violent video games for extended periods of time:
-tend to be more aggressive;
-are more prone to confrontation with their teachers;
-may engage in fights with their peers;
-see a decline in school achievements.
The interactive quality of video games differs from passively viewing television or movies because it allows players to become active participants in the games's script. Players benefit from engaging in acts of violence and are then able to move to the next game level.
Video games also encourage players to identify with and role play of their favorite characters. This is referred to as a "first-person" video game because players are able to make decisions affecting the actions of the character they are imitating. after a limited of amount time playing a violent video game, a player can "automatically prime aggressive thoughts". The researchers concluded that the players who had prior experience playing violent video games responded with an increased level of aggression when they encountered confrontation.

What teens should know about sex (II)

Being sexually active


If you are sexually active there are some important things you should know about the sex act itself. There is so much more to think about than whether or not you are doing it right but this is the thing people tend to worry about the most. Rest assured that there really is not right or wrong way to have sex.
When it comes to see one thing that people should think about but rarely do is the law. There are age of consent laws surrounding how old you have to in order to have sex and what constitutes consensual sex. There are even laws about the kind of sex acts you can engage in.

Most known facts about sex


Unless you want to get pregnant, and you wouldn't want this if you are a teen, birth control is a must.
The only protection against STIs for sexually active people is a barrier method like a condom. This a safe sex must even if you are using something else for birth control. Oral sex is still sex and some STIs, including HIV and AIDS, can be transmitted orally. A barrier method, like a condom or a dental dam, must be used for this type of sex as well. If your partner is under the age of consent, intoxicated or under the influence of drugs, pressured or threatened in any way, or ask you to stop at any point, you can't legally engage in sex. Any or all of this scenario could result in your being charged with rape. You can get pregnant or catch a STI the very first time you have sex, even if you use protection. It is always a risk. Birth control and STI protection must be used properly to be effective. Missed pills and doubled up condoms are the most common misuse of birth control and can result in pregnancy or STI transmission. There is no right or wrong to have intercourse but if it hurts, or if it doesn't feel right emotionally, you should stop right awawy.

The sex checklist


If you are going to have sex you must have:
-a willing partner who is legally who is able to consent to sex;
-effective and properly used birth control;
-STI protection, a male or female condom;
-realistic expectations about what having sex will mean for you;
-a safe place to engage in sex;
-the maturity to understand that sex has emotional and psychical consequences;
-respect and trust between you and your partner.

Articles source: www.about.com

What teens should know about sex?

For teens, the mere thought of sex can be overwhelming. There is so much to think about, so much to worry about, and so much that can go wrong. Whether you are sexually active or not, knowing the facts about what sex is, and what it is not, is very important.
Sex is:
-both psychical and emotional in nature;
-risky; you can get pregnant, catch a sexually transmitted infection, have your heart broken or your ego bruised, or feel let down and disappointed when it's over;
-a milestone; you only get one chance to lose your virginity;
-sensitive; be sure that the timing is right for you and your partner;
-not to be taken lightly or treated as recreation;
-best when it is a personal expression of caring between two people;
-messy and full of strange, sometimes embarrassing noise.
Sex is not:
-a way to make somebody love you or make a commitment to you;
-a test of your love for your partner;
-a measure of how mature or grown up you are;
-a way to get at your parents or assert your independence;
-a leisure activity;
-always fun or enjoyable; sometimes you will wonder if it worth it.
Remember! When you have sex for the wrong reasons you hurt yourself!