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Computer Games and Your Child's Development

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Are Computer Games Dangerous for your Child's Development?

Forget the old stereotypes – your child is probably a gamer regardless of whether they’re sporty or bookish, outgoing or private, in their nappy or in their teens. Recent studies have shown that 99% of boys and 94% of girls play videogames, with half of these children playing on a daily basis. Given these adoption rates, many parents are interested in the impact these games have on their child’s development. The good news for parents is that it’s not bad news! Read on to find out more about how gaming can positively grow and challenge your child.

Context Matters

If you haven’t picked up a controller since Pong was a smash hit, you might be surprised to discover the broad scope of gameplay styles, themes and topics on offer. Take the videogame arm of Warner Bros. for example – they publish everything from puzzle games for young children through to gritty role-playing games for adults. Considering this scope, it is impossible to say that videogames conclusively have a positive or negative impact on children. It all depends on the type of game being played. Choose games with content and gameplay designed specifically for children (the ratings system is helpful in this area), as this is first step to ensuring that your child has a positive experience with gaming.

Builds Problem Solving and Creativity Skills

Many games for children feature gameplay specifically designed to increase problem solving and creativity skills. If you watch your child play a game, you will see that they’re required to investigate, plan, negotiate and explore in order to progress through the game. They’ll have to solve puzzles and discover solutions that are outside the initial, expected outcome. Popular games like Minecraft have children in charge of their own environment. They explore their surroundings, manipulate the environment, and investigate relationships between elements in order to succeed in the game. Game designers specifically include these elements to help develop children’s creativity and their ability to develop and test strategies, make decisions and determine cause and effect.

Gaming Can Build Social Skills

The act of playing videogames with friends can help children build their social skills. When groups get together to play videogames, there are often not enough controllers to go around. The gamers must establish their own rules and guidelines in order for everyone to have a turn. Researchers have found that the need to manage these rules and any associated conflicts develops social skills in children and teens. They also found that teens who play games in groups feel that they have a better handle on social skills such as persuasion, motivating others and mediating disputes.

Videogames Can Actually Encourage Exercise

Research has shown that introducing boys to realistic sports videogames is likely to increase the amount of time those boys spend playing outside. The studies have found that the videogames act as instructional guides. As the boys experience new skateboarding tricks or football plays in their game, they are actually inspired to get out and try the new moves for themselves in real life. If you want your child to get more interested in the outdoors and sports, a realistic sports game might be just what you need.

The best way to understand the affects of videogames on your child is to get in there and play with them. You’ll be able to see just what they’re doing and just how it affects them. You might also have a bit of fun – nine out of ten parents who play videogames with their kids report that they enjoy it as much as their child does!

What sort of games does your child play? Have you noticed whether these games have had an impact on their development? Share your insights in the comments section below.

By on October 21st, 2014

About Powered by Mom

I’m Michelle aka Powered by Mom. I’m married with one daughter, my hubby was my high school sweetheart, our two dogs Nyx and Cleo and our cat Oliver. As you can see we’re a family of animal lovers. We love to travel when we can, try different food and activities all over the world and enjoy being together. My passions are writing, travelling, creating new recipes, encouraging people to adopt not shop and just to enjoy life while we can.

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6 thoughts on “Computer Games and Your Child's Development”

  1. Thanks so much for the Wonderful Review on Computer Games and Your Child’s Development! I an see how certain games, which are age appropriate, do give the kids options to accomplish and use their minds! Plus, games which are about baseball, football, etc. will most likely make a child want to try a new move on their own outside with their friends. There are some parents who do not monitor what their child is playing. I've seen a few games that I thought were rather violent and gruesome! I also do not like war video game either. But, if you keep up to what your children are playing and that the game are age appropriate, I believe that a child can learn from them! Thanks so much for sharing your Wonderful review, the pictures, and your personal and professional opinions on Computer Games and Your Child’s Development with all of us! You know that I always appreciate your reviews!!!!! Thanks again! Michele 🙂

    Reply
  2. My kids enjoy video games. like everything else moderation is important. My youngest is 16, and he actually likes for me to watch him play. Knowing where he is and what he's doing is pretty nice too 🙂

    Reply
  3. I never thought that video games would be destructive for kids. Because they like to play indoor games and outdoor games. They even play board games too. So they are not the least bit hooked on them although they are fun and entertaining.

    Reply

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