New Paper Time!

[Sarlon]

To all those who shared their stories for my last paper, I thank you...that was a hard paper to write, but I just submitted it to my teacher for grading today.

So now onto my new project....

Topic: Why Video Games are actually GOOD for children in long term hospital care.

terms and conditions: Is to be used in a 4-5 minute speech, I'm focusing more on the cancer side of things, and showing stats from my favorite charity, and using some rather disturbing numbers from another website.

any advice (WITHOUT going into fratching) on how I should tackle this?

[Greenday]

Placebo effect: People who are happier tend to recover from disease better. It's hard to be positive if you are bored all the time.

Stimulation of the mind and body keeps a person healthy. Increases coordination, reaction times, and can teach people. I've actually learned quite a bit of first aid from a game called America's Army. They had a combat life saving course you could take based on real life information. It's possibly to learn actual important stuff from video games.

[Kheldarson]

Cracked's had some articles on related topics. I'd link but I'm on my phone currently. Give me a couple hours and I'll find them.

[fireheart]

There's a game that was made with the aid of make a wish or starlight (the Aussie equivalent) where the kid had a wish involving video games. It ended up with an avatar of the kid in this game where he became the chemo drug

[LuvianBlue]

Video games can provide a space where the player has control and agency, which is a wonderful thing when you lack that in your life.

I know sometimes when I'm feeling overwhelmed, playing a game for a couple of hours can make me feel better. Besides being fun, It give me goals that are challenging, but achievable. I can complete a quest, defeat a monster, save the world.

I imagine for a child who is ill, whose life is uncertain and scary, having something that gives some measure of control back to them can be very valuable. It's nice to be in charge of something in your life.

[drunkenwildmage]

There is a book called "Cancer for $5 a day" that was put out by the Late Comedian Robert Schimmel that talks about his story on cancel. Part of it has to do with something he started bringing in Comedy DVD's and CDs in for Cancer patients. I think there was a little bit about Kids regarding that, but it's been a while since I read it.



http://www.amazon.com/Cancer-Five-Do.../dp/0738213187

[bhskittykatt]

Video games could provide much-needed escapism for patients as well. A good goal-oriented game could provided a welcome distraction from their circumstances.

If they can do multiplayer, they could make friends with other kids in the ward or even play with their friends outside of the hospital, too, so there could be social benefits as well.