The President approves

Press, 11 March 1983, Page 26

The President approves

President Reagan believes that video games are good for children’s co-ordination but that homework should still come first. He told an audience of young people in Orlando, Florida, that the United States was in the midst of a technological revolution? and said, “I recently learned something quite interesting about video games. “Many young people have developed incredible hand, eye, and brain co-ordination in playing these games. The Air Force believes these kids will be outstanding pilots should they fly our jets.” He went on to say that computerised radar screens in jet cockpits were similar

to computerised video screens. “Watch a 12-year-old take evasive action and score' multiple hits while playing ‘Space Invaders’ and you will appreciate the skills of tomorrow’s pilot,” he said. Mindful of the widespread criticism that video games waste children’s time and money, Mr Reagan said. “Now don’t get me wrong. I don’t want the youth of this country to run home and tell their parents that the President of the United States says it is all right for them to go ahead and play video games all the time. Homework, sports, and friends still come first.”