Parents, are you sitting down? We have some news that might make you rethink everything you know about gaming. How many hours a week do you spend asking your kids to turn off their computer games? Unfortunately for you and fortunately for your kiddos, we have some research that shows computer games really ain’t that bad.
Of course, the advantages offered by safe online games exist only in moderation. We wouldn’t recommend for your kid to stay online for extended hours playing Wizard games or building imaginary cities, but it turns out playing a moderate amount of computer games a day can actually benefit your child long-term.
From Clare Bloomfield at FreeDigitalPhotos.net
Why Play Computer Games?
There are a lot of cool advantages to playing computer games (especially our games). Here are some of the most touted benefits:
- Kid-safe online games can teach children how to be leaders; in fact, many MMORPG games make players take turns in leadership roles to gain experience. Kids are able to express their competitive urges in a safe environment.
- Computer games show kids how to be on a team and share responsibilities. While playing computer games with other children, they have to compromise and work together toward a greater goal.
- Research shows that kids who frequently play action games make decisions up to 25 percent faster, while still being accurate.
- Problem-solving is easier for gamers because certain games involve planning, negotiating, and working diligently in order to advance to the next level.
- Computer and video games have been known to promote creativity. Gamers score higher on tests measuring right-brain thinking.
- Computer games better hand-eye coordination, both while playing and in the real world, thanks to the use of a controller or a mouse.
- Most importantly, gaming allows your children to improve their social skills in a monitored environment with players from all over the world.
One of the biggest issues parents have with some computer games is violence and how seeing this could potentially make their children act out. According to a study by the University of Gothenburg, some games with violence can actually be helpful for learning cause-and-effect relationships. The fact that these games penalize hotheads while rewarding those who can keep their cool serves as an example of why to avoid bad behavior.
Image courtesy of Ambro at FreeDigitalPhotos.net
How Much Screen Time is Too Much?
Though several studies have shown the benefits of safe online gaming for kids, these advantages can quickly disappear if children play too much.
The best practice for letting your kids indulge in online gaming is getting involved and being in the know about what your kids are playing and who they are playing with. If a game has content that you are uncomfortable with, say no. A successful relationship with your family and online gaming is one built on communication. These gaming benefits can work for both you and your child. As a parent, that’s a pretty good arrangement!
