Are video games actually good for your kids?

I confess. I came across a news release this morning that I’d like to hide from my teenager.

Author Scott Steinberg says “video games can be a hugely positive part of kids’ and adults’ lives, offering pronounced health, learning and career benefits.”

Steinberg, author of “The Modern Parent’s Guide to Kids and Video Games,” goes on to say that “video games promote exercise and physical activity, encourage socialization and leadership, and foster dynamic problem-solving and decision-making skills.”

Well, isn’t that fantastic!

Here’s the problem: My kid (if he were to read this) would interpret this to mean that he should play video games 24 hours a day.

While I will admit there are some positive things (hand-eye coordination is one that comes to mind) about video games, I still think it should be done in moderation. Likewise, kids shouldn’t be staring at a TV screen or a computer monitor all day either.

So, the challenge – at least in my house – continues to be introducing our kids to the “outside world.”

Yes, I know, they don’t play hide-and-seek anymore. They don’t play freeze tag.

So, thank you Mr. Steinberg for letting us know that video games “promote exercise and physical activity.”

I’d prefer to have them go outside and “actually” exercise.

But, that’s my battle to fight, I guess.

• An editor by day, Scott Mayes is also dad to Matthew, Micah and Nathan. He’s a high school parent, a youth football dad and changes diapers. He had an Atari 2600 as a kid. Didn’t you?