IELTS essay 2: Are computer games bad for children? The given task: Some people think that computer games are bad for children, while others believe that they are useful. Discuss the advantages and disadvantages of computer games and give your own opinion. It is often argued that digital games are harmful for children, whereas others insist that children can acquire new skills by playing. It is agreed that computer games should not replace authentic relationships. This essay will first discuss why games can be addictive and will then cover the disadvantages of over-reliance on virtual games. Firstly, it is certainly true that computer games can cause addiction, especially for teenagers. This is because the characters of mobile and computer games, for instance Angry Birds, are created to attract younger players, who have difficulties to resist virtual stimulations. In addition, some of these games will never end forming a continuous loop. Recent research published in the Medicine News stated that in Western countries an average teenager plays virtual games approximately 3,5 hours a day. Some sociologists claim that dependence on playing can correlate negatively with children’s ability to stay focused on a particular task. Secondly, it is often though that a teenager who spends hours in front of the screen, might lack an ability to form authentic friendships. The virtual environment, where people might interact with superficial pseudonyms, does not teach face-to-face communication. According to a study conducted at the University of Helsinki, teenagers with over-reliance on mobile phone games are more likely to end up becoming isolated from a group compared to their peers who enjoy outdoor activities. Therefore, teenagers should have limited access to computer games in order to avoid negative consequences of playing. In the conclusion, I would argue that although some computer games have educational purposes, it is important to avoid over-reliance on the digital environment. Instead of playing virtual games, children should be encouraged to make friends in real life.