Playing video games is a popular activity people do in their free time. However, video games can have major effects on health. People debate whether these effects are good or bad. Video games can improve children’s learning, health, fine motor and hand-eye coordination, as well as social skills.
Both children and adults enjoy playing video games. There’s research that shows there’s a benefit to playing video games. There’s also research that implies video games could lead to disrupted sleep, media addiction, and violent behavior. Additionally, various studies address the association between obesity and video game use. The relationship is complex, but tapping into safe and healthy use may hopefully reap the positive benefits.
If your child is showing concerning behavior, you may need to step in. These may include irritability when not playing their game or when they’re showing increasing aggression. Even if this behavior occurs, there are steps you can take to regulate violent media intake.
How Safe Are Video Games?
Video games are relatively safe for your child to play. Despite previous research suggesting the dangers of video games, there are ways to protect your child. You can prevent potential harm from a video game by monitoring and limiting what they’re playing. Talk to your child about staying safe online. Set rules of engagement- including time spent on gaming, other family and personal obligations, ability to oversee game participation.
Building a trusting relationship will make your child want to talk to you. They’ll be more inclined to let you know how they are feeling about life. This can help you notice if they are struggling and need help. There are three parts to consider before you worry about your child and violent video games: their personality, the situation they're in, and their motivation behind playing video games. These play a part in how they react to violence on screen.
You should also set boundaries and restrict the use of video games near sleep times and meal times, avoiding fast-paced games and adhering to the content warnings of the actual games.
The American Academy of Pediatrics discourages media use, except for video chatting, by children younger than 18 months. CDC guidelines are:
- Do not utilize media viewing (TV, video, and DVD) and computers with children younger than 2 years.
- Limit total media time for children 2 and older to not more than 30 minutes weekly.
- Use screen media with children ages 2 years and older only for educational purposes or physical activity.
Symptoms of Video Game Aggression in Children
Video games are not the sole reason for a child becoming aggressive. Other factors make a child aggressive. However, in rare cases, your child may become addicted to video games. This could make them irritable, have hallucinations, experience physical pain, and be at risk for being overweight. Luckily, research shows that many of these problems can be resolved by limiting or suspending video game play.
Benefits of Playing Video Games
Video games are good for helping children develop problem-solving skills. They aren’t lazy as previous research has suggested. Video games can strengthen your child’s cognitive skills. They can improve your child’s capacity to think in three-dimensional ways.
Video games have a range of benefits for your child. Playing simple games can improve your child's mood, promote relaxation, and reduce anxiety. Children can also build emotional resilience by learning to cope with losing in video games.
Socialization is another benefit of video games. In a digital world, this is how your child can connect with their friends and release stress. Playing online can connect your child with kids their age who have the same interests.
Make sure you are able to verify the identity of the connections made and are aware of the risk of online predators. Be protective of personal information.
Best Games for Children
If your child wants to play video games, there are better options than some. While violent video games don't necessarily contribute to actual violence, they might not be productive. The following types of games can engage your child’s mind and help them socialize:
- Role-playing games
- Simple games
- Multiplayer online games
- Some shooter games
- Strategic games
- Creative and problem solving games
Tips for Safe Game Play in Children
These tips will help you monitor your child’s video game play and help you set boundaries with them.
Limit screen time. If your child’s gaming console is in their room, you may not know how much time they spend on it. The American Academy of Pediatrics suggests no more than two hours of screen time. Keeping your child’s console in another room can help you monitor their time more easily.
Know what they’re playing.Remember your child's brain is impressionable. Stay informed about the games your child’s playing. While it’s unclear if violent video games make kids violent, you might want to restrict violent or inappropriate video games.
Look for concerning behavior. If you notice your child is always tired, irritable, or not doing well in school you should talk to them about what’s going on. Approach them with a kind and helpful demeanor.
Play together. Sitting down and playing games with your children is a great way to bond. You also get to see what they’re playing. Games are great for socializing and connecting with others. Make a point to understand their game and what they like. Then they’ll be more open to talking about issues they have.
If your child is showing sedentary or erratic behavior, it might be time to put a pause on gameplay. However, age-appropriate video games in moderation are a safe way for your child to learn many skills and productive behavior.
