IMPACT OF VIDEO GAMES ON CHILDREN
Video games are very popular among kids and adults since the 1980s’. They are considered to be very effective in improving children’s motor skills while staying indoors in the comfort of home, as they are a great source to improve hand-eye coordination and enhance problem-solving skills among children. These games are considered to greatly impact a child’s mental health, social skills, and studies.
Playing video games is fun, without any doubt, but mostly it affects, attracts, and involves a child’s mind into gaming so much that he is not able to focus on anything else. Children who are obsessed with video games are highly anxious and depressed most of the time. They are so obsessed with gaming that they get sad and irritated if the game is taken away from them, they are not able to quit or cut down and show no interest in any other activity.
Children who are into video games and want to stay stuck in their gaming zone usually suffer from gaming disorder and give priority to games over homework, sleep, exercise, or family and friends. Not all children are addicted to gaming, or face such problems, but when gaming starts to hit in other parts of life, it gets important for parents to step in and support their child to not fall a victim to gaming disorder.
Limit the screen time and assign a specific timetable to your child, so that they won’t miss any other activity to keep them activated.
Track the media usage of your child, keep an eye on your child’s activities, and be mindful about the usage of electronic devices, video games, and all the apps that your child is using.
If your child shows any symptoms of anxiety, irritation, tiredness or not being able to focus on studies due to playing excess video games, be supportive to them and discuss with them what they need to do and what you expect from them. Your positive support will help your child to get calm and motivated.
Be a part of the game with your child, sit and play with them, this would be a great way to socialize with your child, and also you will be able to track their activities by connecting with them.
Encourage your child to play with toys, books, colors, and other children of their age, this will help them to explore the real world around them.