Nowadays, video games are part of the world of children, often from an early age. Children have access to these games on different platforms: the computer, game consoles, but also tablets and mobile phones. It is therefore important to regulate its use, because some video games can involve risks. However, these games can also contribute to children’s learning and skill development. That is why it is not necessary to ban them.
The benefits of video games
The child can reinforce certain qualities and skills through the use of video games, depending on the type of games chosen. Several specialists have also recognized the benefits.
Video games like afk arena tier list can foster bonding with others, both online (multiplayer games) and offline, as around 70% of children share this interest.
Some multiplayer games, for example puzzle games, require teamwork and cooperation.
Depending on their nature, video games can help improve a child’s self-esteem or mood. Even if video games are not a solution to self-esteem issues, they can help the child feel better. For example, a child who has lower self-esteem can, by succeeding in a mission or completing a level of the game, experience successes and thus develop a better image of himself.
Some video games develop skills useful for science subjects, such as logic, processing speed, and visual and spatial skills. They have an advantage over traditional games in this area, because the interaction and speed of execution required reinforce certain intellectual skills.
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Other slower video games, such as puzzles or some investigation games, improve problem-solving ability. As the rules are not written, the child must show deduction and creativity to solve problems in a wide variety of situations.
Video games are less passive than television and can be an opportunity to actively learn certain subjects ( mathematics , history, language) and to inform children about social topics. Well chosen, these games can reinforce empathy, openness to realities other than one’s own and sharpen judgment.
The main objective of video games is to motivate the player to complete the different levels in order to pass the game. Studies show an effect on the child’s ability to maintain long-term motivation and persevere until the achievement of a task. This type of commitment can continue outside the game, in sports and at school for example.
The risks associated with video games
We must remain vigilant and supervise the use of video games, because they have pitfalls that can harm the development and health of the child.
When a child spends time in front of a screen, they are not devoting that time to moving and being physically active. Even if your child hops and gesticulates in front of his favorite game, this in no way replaces the physical activity necessary for his psychomotor development.
The brightness given off by the various screens keeps the brain awake by reducing the level of melatonin, the sleep -regulating hormone. It is therefore recommended to limit its use in the evening and to prevent the child from being exposed to it before bedtime .
Regardless of the type of video game, the risk of developing an addiction is always present. However, the child who develops an addiction generally hides a problem of adaptation to his environment. Beyond the number of hours spent in front of the screen, certain behaviors are warning signs that may indicate an addiction: high level of anxiety , agitation at school, presence of frequent nightmares and irritability. It is therefore important to remain attentive to what the child is going through.
It is important to closely monitor the content of the video games that the child plays. Many studies also make a link between the violence of certain video games and the range of behaviors that the child is likely to adopt later. The risk associated with violent video games is to teach the child that among the solutions to a problem, several violent behaviors are possible and effective, and even rewarding. Moreover, the more realistic the game, the greater the learning, because the child easily identifies with the character. On the other hand, the negative effects of violent video games are much less important when it comes to collaborative games, because team play reduces the effect of violence by developing, in the first place, the capacities of collaboration and mutual aid.
Some video games also convey stereotypes, particularly with regard to women and nationalities.
Current video games are often enriched along the way by the users themselves. These additions are unrated, and inappropriate content may end up in games originally rated for everyone.
Multiplayer games are played over the Internet with unknown players of all ages. These players can converse with each other, and since their chats are unsupervised, they might not be suitable for a child.
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