Positive and Negative Effects of Online Gaming on Children
Online games can offer children a sense of escape from the reality of the world and the social aspect of some games can help children feel part of a community. There are many types of games made for various purposes. Some can be entertaining and relaxing while others can be challenging and good for learning and brain development.
However, not all games are good for children and their effects can be adverse as well. Kids can become overly involved and even obsessed with video games, which has been happening a lot lately, especially for children who are doing only online learning.
Let’s look at some positive effects of online gaming on children:
Online players can improve their cognitive functions through online games. The combination of concentration and neurotransmitter waves (molecules used by the nervous system to send messages between the brain and the body) strengthens the brain’s neural circuits.
Precision and decision making: Online players can make a quick decision. Online games train the brain to make quick decisions without losing precision. Without a doubt, you can play these games to judge quickly and accurately. Children who play online games sharpen their skills through the games, and thus, perform better in school.
Hand and eye function: Online players play their games with maximum hand and eye coordination. For every online game, players must use their hands and eyes for the game to be successful.
Improve teamwork: Online multiplayer games improve teamwork between players. Players will use most of their skills to win the game for their team. The players learn to succeed as a team. Kids learn from this that teamwork makes any work easier and no task is difficult for them.
Let’s look at some negative effects of online gaming on kids:
Lack of time for studying or outdoor games: When children spend a lot of time playing video games online, they have no time for other activities. Even homework loses priority when a big battle is planned for the night. This could lead to poor grades and academic problems. Children also don’t walk around enough and sit in front of the screen for long periods at a time.
Addiction: One of the serious problems associated with online gaming is addiction. Children are obsessed with the virtual world and lose their sense of reality and spend all their time playing. Most of these are games of chance, online casinos, but simulations and other games can also be dangerous.
Harmful impact on the health: Sitting a long time in front of the computer screen, tablet or mobile phone screen can have a negative impact on health. If children are slouching in a chair or hunched over mobile, then it’s time to take a break. A sitting or lying position harms the back and neck. These positions won’t harm most children immediately, but they can lead to serious problems in adulthood.
Isolation from society: The online gaming world is an opportunity to seclude oneself from real problems, and children who have learning challenges will find that sense of freedom in games. They get so involved in the game that they lose their sense of reality and can cut themselves off from society which could lead to the absence of real interactions.
Playing video games should never be outright rejected as it could push your child to play video games that may not be age appropriate in secrecy. There are positive effects of playing videos, but the negative impact of excessive gaming cannot be undermined.
When your child plays video games, it gives his brain a real workout. In many video games, the skills required to win involve abstract and high-level thinking. These skills are not even taught at school.
Therefore, it is best to get along with the child, be their gaming partner, and teach them healthy gaming. Video games can be a medium of entertainment that parents and children can enjoy. The key to reaping these benefits, just like with any other platform of entertainment, is moderation.
“There are plenty of skills I’ve learned from playing video games. It’s more interactive than watching TV, because there are problems to solve as you’re using your brain.” – Shaun White
