What happened to all the tree houses? In the past 10 years, I've noticed a shortage. Is it because fewer children and teens actually are going outside? Someone has to be outside to build and hang out in them. Are most of those kids instead playing video games? To many teens, blowing people up offers more entertainment than say, hanging out in a tree house. When did nature start competing with video games? In New Mexico, nature's struggle for attention might begin to ease up. A coalition in New Mexico is urging the state government to consider adding a 1 percent sales tax to video games that will go to various outdoor activities. Instead of spending a couple hours on the computer everyday, kids could spend an hour or more of the time outside. For example, the money could go toward a new basketball court. If a kid who spent all of his time playing video games went outside and started shooting a couple baskets, that kid might discover that he or she really enjoys the sport. Or if the money went toward a soccer field, a gamer could join in a random game and not only be involved in a physical activity but also get some social interaction. Maybe the reason teens don't go out and play more is because they are so preoccupied with video games that they won't try anything new. Hopefully, if the tax was put into effect that might change. If more kids would go outside, their whole bodies might be physically fit instead of just their thumbs. The strength and fitness would benefit them way more than playing video games. Playing outside might become a habit. Furthermore, when you exercise, it releases endorphins, which make you happy. if you exercise now, then you might not ache as much later because continuous physical activity makes your bones stronger. Who doesn't want a longer, happier pain-free life? Additionally, some video games are mentally damaging. Violent games that have gangs, death, murders and crime are more likely to effect people. Research says that teens who play violent games have increased anger. They also resolve anxiety in troubling ways. Instead of talking out their anxiety or trying to calm themselves, some get fairly destructive. Also, these violent games don't teach consequences. If they shoot or harm someone in the game, instead of receiving a punishment like going to jail, they get more points. Instead of learning the correct way to deal with problems, they may subconsciously learn the wrong way to handle them. So next time you go to play a video game, go outside instead. This is also a wonderful way to get in touch with your inner child. Play hopscotch, or hide-and-go-seek, jump rope or tag. Instead of shooting innocent bystanders in a video game, get one of those Styrofoam Nerf guns and harmlessly shoot your friends.  Instead of being a video gamer, be a sports gamer.