Videogames can be good for children, encouraging creativity and cooperation, a European Union report concluded Wednesday which ran counter to the violent reputation of some titles.

In conclusions that may either surprise or reassure parents of game addicts, the study by the European Parliament Committee on the Internal Market and Consumer Protection found a number of benefits and no definitive link to violent behavior.

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Microsoft has launched a new public awareness campaign called Get Game Smart, designed to help parents manage their children’s gaming in "safer, healthy and balanced ways."

The software giant has partnered with Best Buy, the Entertainment Software Association, the ESRB, the National Institute on Media and the Family and numerous others to provide the program, which offers parents a wide range of resources to help them keep up with their children’s gaming habits. The site explains how to use the parental controls on the Xbox 360 and Windows Vista, features an "Expert Tips" section with commentary by people like ESRB President Patricia Vance and Dr. David Walsh of the NIMF as well as blog posts, contests, a newsletter and more.

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Gray Matters, LLC, a section of Westport family therapy clinic Living in Harmony, LLC, is offering neurofeedback training with specialized technology to children who are diagnosed with Attention Deficit Disorder (ADD) or Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD), to help them focus better and reduce anxiety by playing PlayStation 2 for 30 minutes.

“The system is driven by your thoughts,” said Gary Pearson, a marriage and family therapist at Living in Harmony, LLC.

How it works is each child wears a SMART Visor Sensor System cap by SMART BrainGames and under the cap, behind each ear, a sensor is placed. A sensor is also placed on top of the head under a band. Before the sensors are placed on the child, they are submerged in SmartWater that contains one tablespoon of baking soda.

When ready to use, the sensors are plugged into a SMART Box neurofeedback device, which showcases the child’s brainwaves on a neurotherapists’ computer. This action is called an electroencephalogram (EEG), which is a test that records the electrical activity of a person’s brain. By looking at the child’s brainwaves, the therapists can see if the person is focused or not.

The SMART Box device is licensed NASA technology.

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The National Mango Board (NMB) recently launched the interactive game, Jango Geography, to educate children about mangos and the countries from which they originate.  The goal is to increase mango consumption and teach kids about geography and the health and flavor benefits of mangos through the game. Jango Mango, the NMB’s global ambassador serves as a guide to walk children through this entertaining and educational online activity, which can be found at www.mango.org/geography.

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In Jango Geography, children learn numerous mango facts such as countries of origin and their capital cities, languages spoken, currency and landmarks; Kids also learn fun facts about the mango including the history, how to select one, nutrition facts and even how it’s consumed in different countries.

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From gamedaily.com:

“The ELSPA and BAFTA yesterday held a discussion about how video games can be a force for good in society. The panel was chaired by journalist Mary Riddell, with its members including Children’s Society deputy director of new business Martin Houghton-Brown, The Lighthouse Group national director Mike Royal, The Church Mission Society’s Marketing & Fund Raising Director Joseph Steinberg, and ELSPA chairman Andy Payne.

“We now live in a digital age where the nature of playing games has changed. Now we have online games where interaction with others is possible,” said Houghton-Brown. “Children tell us supportive and loving relationships are key to a good childhood, we need to equip parents and carers to support children to stay safe when they play in the growing online world.”"

Read more…

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