Although the makers of the video game industry claim that video games are nothing but fun and entertainment, most pediatrician and health researchers attribute increased incidences of violence as well as childhood obesity to the rising exposure to video games.

Most video games contain graphic imagery and direct or indirect violence. In fact, the top preferred games are loaded with violence and objectionable content like shooting people, stealing stuff, running over objects, destroying objects, etc. What should you do as a parent if the only thing your child want to do all vacation is shoot down people in Counter Strike?

When young and impressionable minds of children are subjected to such content, they are invariably influenced and conditioned. The soaring numbers of violent incidents, such as gun violence, bullying and other forms of violence prevalent in schools, are believed to have been inspired from mind-numbing hours of video game playing. Child psychologists believe that prolonged exposure to such games leads to the child developing an indifference to violence.

Several studies conducted indicate that children who spent hours on video games in their childhood grew up to indulge in various forms of violence or had some criminal charges against them. Parents give in to their child’s demands and pamper them with the state-of- the-art gaming devices such as Play stations, X Box, etc. Evidently, such games hamper real life activities, like studying, playing outdoors, making new friends that seem dull in comparison to the colorful gaming world. Children develop a need for immediate gratification and become restless and cranky if things do not turn out the way they planned.

Other physical effects include poor eyesight from staring at screens for so long, laziness, obesity and many more. Bring a radical change to the video game trend and invest in a bicycle for your child instead. 

Children are living a couch potato lifestyle and are rarely stepping out to play and they do not get enough physical exercise. A bicycle will ensure that your child gets plenty of fresh air and exercise. Indeed, parents should encourage their children to play outside daily for a fixed amount of time. This is vital for a child’s complete growth and development, as regular cycling is proven to activate muscle growth and increase stamina.

Some studies also indicate that cycling works positively to boost mental health by reducing stress and anxiety. Cycling for as little as half an hour improves blood circulation, aids in weight loss and leaves you feeling happier and less tensed. Incorporate cycling breaks, even during exam time, to help your child relax and grasp better. It helps improve muscle strength, stamina and bone strength. It also helps them grow taller! 

Physical activities done outside of home are going to do wonders in over all growth of your child.

Additionally, several research studies conclude that riding a bike can protect one from serious conditions like cardiovascular diseases, stroke, some cancers, depression, diabetes and so on.

So, gift your child a bicycle and help him create real-life memories with a real social network!