As parents, we consider what threats the environment poses to our kids. We look at the possible negative outcomes to protect them. For example, feeding ducks in the fountain can be dangerous (children can fall). Jumping back and forth on 2 close-standing beds smells of an injury. The same is with virtual realities.
Should kids be allowed to play video games? Lots of people would give a negative answer. They recall only bad things associated with digital fun. Such as increased aggression, physical disorders, antisocial patterns, etc. By the way, most of them are false: they’re prejudicial assumptions from the past. Recent research and proven facts show lots of mental/health benefits behind such electronic activities.
We’d like to focus on positive outcomes – on certain life skills necessary for growth. So that you stop depriving your child of a computer. If your kids like to play games, just let them. And never feel guilty again. This is why.
Gaming Doesn’t Encourage Violent Behavior
The most common argument against playing is that it sparks aggression. Looking from the outside, we see the only endless shooting, killing, swearing, etc. So, it seems logical that little fellows copy this behavior and bring it into real life. But studies prove that it’s not true. Statistics show that adolescent crime rates drop during such games’ releases. Doing the forbidden stuff in virtual worlds, they let the steam off. With parental control and family love, no harm can be done even in this genre.
But shooters and other similar titles are not the only options. There are all kinds of explorative, puzzle-solving adventures. They focus on different gameplay and can do lots of good for your child.
Should Children Be Allowed to Play Video Games?
Our answer is yes but with healthy timeline restrictions. Everything should be in moderation. Especially with small kids. Set up a timer before letting them dive into digital fun and follow the rules. For example, a short break in the middle of gaming to stretch up a bit, etc.
Why Children Should Play Video Games: 5 Pros
Problem-Solving Skills
Every title is a challenge filled with obstacles. Completing missions and puzzles is often not that straightforward. Young minds are encouraged to seek the most efficient strategy to achieve certain results. This is exactly what happens in, for example, Crash Bandicoot N. Sane Trilogy.
This legendary platformer has been remastered for a new generation of small players. Jumping, looting crates, and dodging blades improve problem-solving skills and make users smarter.
The same can be said about Submerged: Hidden Depths. It’s one of the most beautiful adventures without fighting or any other aggressive elements. Focusing on exploration, users enjoy the views and deal with mysteries. It’s more suitable for 9-year-olds or teens. But younger connoisseurs can also find it interesting.
Assertiveness and Consistency
Whatever we do, we’re rarely good at it right away. There are certain conditions to meet to become better. You need to invest time and energy to achieve something. It’s obvious to adults but not so to kids. But if they take on online missions, they’ll understand it quite soon.
For example, Zombsroyale IO is one of the best multiplayer survival toys. Depending on the mode, you land in a dangerous area, loot crates, and defend yourself. At first, other players will seem more skilled. They shoot and run simultaneously, do cool moves and always win. Your kid will train and learn to do the same. This challenge inspires users to focus on the task and become better. It’s a useful ability that can be applied in many other life situations.
Creativity
Why else should parents allow children to play video games? They encourage little guys to cross the boundaries of ordinary thinking. Offering unusual circumstances, they invite kids to come up with cool ideas quickly. Take such toys as Gartic or Drawaria.
They’re both top drawing-based adventures designed for several people. Entering the same round, you move in turns. Each gets a word to depict (for others to guess). Sometimes, it’s something simple like a camel or sun. But how can you quickly draw a snorkeler? Time is always limited. So you should come up with the best creative solutions if you want to win. There are in-built chats for communication. It’s a chance to boost social skills as well.
Learning
Is education about memorizing things? Perhaps, you can say this about students at school. But too small kids learn new things from their surroundings. For example, they get inspired by copying some digital-based activities.
There is a cool website called CBeebibes (by BBC). It has lots of materials to attract little fellows. A section with games is rich with kind and useful adventures. We especially liked Sarah and Duck. It tells about a friendship between a small girl and a cute bird. They spend their time at home and come up with cool ideas to entertain themselves.
Every action and instruction is read out loud by a pleasant voice. For instance, there is a tennis match between the pair. When the round is over, they both hug each other. It teaches young minds to keep friends with their playmates despite the competition.
If you’re interested in education adventures, check out this article. It offers 5 more cool options with attractive information to remember.
Attention to Details
There is a series of virtual toys inspired by the cartoon Shaun the Sheep. It’ll definitely glue your child to the screen. There are lots of different activities to try. And they’re all very simple and entertaining at the same time. 8-year-olds and younger fans will surely like it.
We liked the challenge called Where’s Shaun?. A picture features dozens of sheep minding their own business. Can you find the main character of the cartoon? Scanning every inch of the photo requires users to focus. It trains attention to detail, as well as patience.
Summing Up
Should children be allowed to play video games? Yes, because they aren’t bad or good. They are both. But if you can find the balance, your kid will be influenced only by positive things. So let them have fun in digital worlds and don’t feel guilty about that. How many hours of video games? It’s for you to decide. If you have a kindergartner (3+), it should be about 30-40 minutes a day. The older they are, the more you can add.
And the last thing. It’s important to explain to young gamers key security rules. Many titles require creating accounts, keeping passwords, etc. Knowing how to deal with them is vital to be safe online. Check out this article and share this knowledge with your kids.
