Title: Video games for kids, yay or nay?
1Video Games for kids- Yay or Nay? Angry Birds,
Minecraft, PUBG..speak to any child and these
names are likely to bring a wide smile to their
faces. Video games for kids have today become a
part of popular culture. Most children see it as
a great way to spend some fun time while parents
worry about the potential negative effects that
these games can have.
Let us look at the issue comprehensively
including both the positive and negative effects
of video games on children Positive Effects of
Video Games On Kids The answer to are video
games good for kids, is a yes if you look at the
fact that these games involve kids using their
creativity and problem solving skills to achieve
a certain goal. In fact, a research has also
shown that video-games players have improved
sensitivity towards their environment and quick
decision-making powers. With speed being of
essence in most games, what the child also
benefits from is improved hand-eye coordination
and the use of visual-spatial ability. Fun fact-
Pilots and surgeons who need efficient motor
skills are being trained on video games. In fact
you can check out the game, right here. Video
games are also known to improve multi-tasking
abilities. A research has shown that children who
played video games performed much better in a
multiple-object tracking task. You can attribute
this skill to children playing strategy games
where a player has to deal with many variables
and must be flexible and agile.
2- Negative effects of video games
- The effects of video games on children can of
course also turn out to be negative. One of the
biggest concerns in this area is the fact that
many games promote aggression and violence. The
fear and rightly so, is that on encountering
violence through these games, children can become
desensitized to it. While the jury is still out
on whether or not these games lead to long-term
aggression in kids, it is a potent concern. - The other concern is the fact that video games
are extremely addictive. What that means is that
they can interfere with everyday life. In fact,
WHO even recognized a pattern of persistent or
recurrent gaming behaviour, as a disorder. Of
course, for this diagnosis the behavioural
pattern has to meet certain criteria, which
includes - It should be evident over a period of 12 months
- It should result in impairment in education,
personal, social, occupational, or other aspects. - Even if we do not see it as a medical disorder,
the impact of spending too much time in playing
video games, can result in - Poor academic performance
- Adverse effect of health- This includes strain on
the eyes as also negative health consequences
that result from a sedentary lifestyle. So much
so that children can sometimes skip meals or even
sleep to play the games that they like. - So are video games for kids good or bad?
3Setting limits around how long and when the game
can be played. Helping them choose educational
games that help them with learning Find games
that can act as a good bonding activity for the
family Importantly, helping children recognize
their own compulsive behavior. The idea is not to
shame them but to patiently show them the right
path. Needless to mention that if you find these
games turning into an addiction for the child,
you should not hesitate in seeking professional
help. Heres to your child enjoying his
favourite video game in moderation!