Are Video Games Bad for Your Children?

That is probably one of the most commonly-asked questions by parents during this pandemic.

Since children are spending more time online and have limited time spent outside of their homes, some are experiencing video game addiction.

If kids are not addicted to playing video games but are interested in this kind of activity, there are believed pros and cons.

Are video games bad for your children: YES! (It could be)

Some say that video games are bad for your children.

According to an article published by KidsHealth, spending more time on video games can be bad for your children.

Because this activity does not require active play or exercise, it can cause children to become overweight.

Also, it affects not only the physical aspect of the child but also social aspects.

For example, because children spend too much time on video games, they no longer have time to strengthen relationships like friendship among other kids. Also, playing video games can affect the way kids act in school.

Also, according to a study where students were asked to play a game where they could hurt or help other students, researchers observed that children who played violent games were more hurtful compared to those who played pro-social games.

Are video games bad for your children: NO! (According to studies)

Several studies across the world have been showing that playing video games is bad for you.

In an article, ID Tech enumerated some of the benefits of playing video games.

These benefits include helping with real-world problems, exercising the brain, and offering other physical advantages.

Specific types of games can positively affect children's behavior. Pro-social games, according to a study, make players more helpful.

Also, brain games claim that it could help players get better with tasks which are repeatedly done.

What should parents do?

In an article by Harvard health, they listed some things parents can do to protect kids from video games' possible harms.

Here are some of those:

1. Parents should also try to play the video games that their children are interested in playing. This way, parents will understand the content of the video games. Through this step, parents will also better grasp the reaction their children make when playing video games.
2. For parents to be able to monitor their children, video game consoles and computers should not be confined in their bedrooms. Experts suggest that these things are placed in a common area.
3. Although there are some positive and negative effects of playing video games, parents should encourage their children to participate in sports. This way, they are not only exercising but are also interacting with other children physically.