Girls who play video games with parents may improve their mental health

By Staff Writer

A new study reveals that girls who play video games with their parents are more likely to be well-behaved and have strong mental health.

Researchers from Brigham Young University's School of Family Life examined how parental involvement in video game playing affected adolescents. They studied 287 families with a child between 11 and 16 years old.

Although parental presence had little to no effect on boys, researchers found that girls who played with their parents improved in several areas: positive behavior, aggression, family connection and mental health. The study's authors suggested that many girls respond positively when they spend more time with their fathers. In many American families, mothers - not fathers - participate in most of their daughters' activities.

The researchers concluded that boys spend more time playing with friends, so a bonding experience with their parents has less of an impact. The authors added that children who spend too much time playing video games can negatively affect their personal relationships. However, if the activity is performed in moderation - and parents become involved - it can be a positive experience for the entire family.

Problem teens who spend an exorbitant amount of time playing video games, watching television or surfing the Internet may benefit from wilderness therapy programs, which expose adolescents to the benefits of outdoor activities.