It is estimated that more than 90% of children older than 2 play video games. Children ages 8 to 17 spend an average of 1.5 to 2 hours gaming daily. While three out of every four American households owning a video game console and children being entrusted with cell phones – essentially handheld gaming devices – at younger and younger ages, these numbers are expected to rise. Today gaming is an unavoidable part of childhood.
Parents’ perspectives on gaming need to shift. It is no longer a question of whether kids should play video games, but rather ‘how is their time spent gaming going to affect them?’ And how we can guide them to reap the benefits of gaming while mitigating its negative effects?
Benefits and drawbacks of gaming
If you ask parents about the benefits of video games you’ll probably get some funny looks. They may even tell you that video games are a waste of time. And maybe that was true 25 years ago, but video games have come a long way. Modern-day games are more sophisticated, and much more challenging than in the past. Current video games require keen reflexes, strategic thinking and the ability to quickly adapt to new situations.
Pro: The most obvious benefit of gaming is increased hand-eye coordination. Whether holding a controller in hand, poising hands on a keyboard and mouse or swiping furiously on a smart phone, players constantly hone hand dexterity while gaming; a benefit that could serve them well in their adult lives. Older generations identify today’s kids as adept at operating devices? This is why.
Con: On the flip side, while building up great hand-eye coordination, players may not be getting much physical activity. Over time this could lead to a sedentary lifestyle and poor eating habits. In extreme circumstances, obesity could become a very real problem, even for an age group renowned for having beneficial metabolism rates. Poor posture, either due to not sitting correctly or not having proper seating for prolonged periods, and eye strain are also physical concerns to watch out for.
Pro: Today’s challenging and competitive video games have child players utilizing higher brain functioning. The potential cognitive benefits of gaming include problem-solving (trying to solve complex puzzles or how to defeat difficult enemies), strategic thinking (trying to outwit other players) and quick decision-making skills (solving new challenges in real-time).
Con: As young players rush to master these complex games, and compete with other players, some may slip into the habit of gaming far too much. This ‘need to keep up’ can lead to serious mental health issues like gaming addiction, anxiety and loss of confidence and self-identity. The ramifications of gaming addiction are far-reaching and should not be underestimated. Other mental health issues can arise when children fail to keep up with other players, either from real failure – losing a match – or simply perceived. Warning signs to watch for, besides the amount of time spent gaming, are phrases like “I’m not good enough” or “I wish I had that” Another warning sign is players asking to spend extra money on a game that is either free-to-play or that they already own.
Pro: Many games now include multiplayer elements. Sometimes the action pits players against each other, but with some games players must communicate and work together to overcome obstacles. These social interactions allow children to interact with players from all around the world, fostering increased social and communication skills.
Con: Being able to interact with like-minded friends, that they likely would never have met in the real world, is a remarkable thing. However, that interaction could lead to children favoring those friends while pulling away from real life friends and family. Over time, real life friends may grow distant. It’s normal for children to start pulling away from their parents as they approach adulthood and start to find themselves, but when this natural and expected phenomenon occurs with online influences parents are not able to meet and assess the individuals that their child is associating with.
Pro: Children, especially teens, may also find gaming to be an emotional outlet — a bastion from the problems of the real world. Being able to escape reality for a short time can go a long way in relieving stress, a benefit that can also extend to adults.
Con: Problems can occur when the bastion of gaming comfort becomes more appealing than the real world. When child players would rather be participating in a video game than go to school or have dinner with their family, that is a perfect example of too much of a good thing becoming a bad thing. Another danger is the threat of a child’s digital world turning sour, when that safe space becomes a toxic environment that continues to lure them in.
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Moderation, communication and guidance
A multifaceted aspect of modern childhood, video games offer both tangible benefits and potential drawbacks. By understanding the pros and cons of gaming, children can benefit from and attain the cognitive, social and emotional benefits of gaming, while minimizing its risks. The key to a positive gaming experience lies in purposeful moderation, open communication about online interactions and knowledgeable parental guidance.
