
Image by Bago Games. CC BY
You are reading the Original Version (CLB5+) Read Simple Version (CLB3-4) Today’s video games have become so high-tech that it’s hard not to be amazed. Not only do they have hyper-realistic graphics, they are now designed more intelligently. Players can run, shoot, jump, dance and create within a game. They can also choose to play on their own, with a couple of friends, or even with people all over the world. These games offer so many options and tons of action; it’s no wonder kids can’t help but get hooked. Playing video games can be good for kids. Studies show that children develop useful reasoning and memory skills because of how they’re designed. Games also help develop creativity, critical thinking, as well as leadership and teamwork. However, studies also show that too much video gaming can lead to negative effects that far outweigh positive ones. Too much gaming, or gaming addiction (which is now declared a mental disorder) has been found to lead to anxiety and depression. Some games can harm the brain, damage long term concentration, and contribute to obesity and muscular and skeletal disorders when played too often. It doesn’t help that most video games are designed to encourage continuous playing. Most games push players to reach higher and higher levels to increase the feeling of accomplishment. Each level is designed to be more difficult than the last so that they are motivated to spend time and/or money to unlock each level, or add more accessories to help them win. Kids get hooked on the thrill that they get addicted; they start to crave constant brain stimulation. When not playing, gamers complain of being bored. They are irritable and fidgety. Some even begin to withdraw from real life and become anti-social. A study found that playing video games more than five hours a day is considered dangerous and could be a sign that a player is addicted. Another study says that spending three hours or more can take a toll on a child’s mood and could lead to problems of hyperactivity. There are always disclaimers to these conclusions. Results can depend on the child’s age (younger ones may not have as much tolerance or self-control), temperament, and the type of games that they play. Doctors advice that it’s all about balance. Parents should be able to set reasonable limits to game time since they know their kids better than anyone else. The child: If you see that your child is displaying any or all of these symptoms, it is time to curb their video gaming habit. by Bill Branson/National Cancer Institute. Public Domain Read 5 tips for smart digital parenting for more tips. Please login to tell us what you think.Skip to:
What’s so bad about that? Aren’t video games educational?
How much is too much?
How do you know that your child is addicted to gaming?
How to encourage healthy gaming habits:
Article updated February 2, 2022.
Sources: Video game addiction: How do you know your child is addicted? Laura Agadoni, Care,com; How to tell if your child is addicted to video games – and how to help, Stephen Bradshaw, Motherly; 25 + positive and negative effects of video games, Reynaldo Tumbokon, Raise Smart Kids; Seven ways parents can encourage healthy gaming habits, Beasts of Balance; Children and video games: A parent’s guide, Ellie Gibson; 5 ways to regulate video games for a peaceful home, Reuben and Efraim Meulenberg, Crosswalk.com; and How much videogames is too much? (Parts 1-3), Kent Toussaint, Teen Therapy Centre. Accessed December 20, 2018.Community Resources
We'd love to hear from you!