Why Should Kids Play Video Games? The Top Eight Benefits

In the past, playing games and using other media was often seen as an entertainment-only activity for young people with few real-life benefits. Violent video games frequently overtook headlines about the video game industry and misconstrued the perception of video gaming for children and other age groups. In reality, research shows that playing video games has many potential benefits for children. The key for most families is to strike a balance and choose the right games. So, what should you know?

In this article, we'll go over the benefits of playing video games, such as increased problem-solving skills, social interaction, and cognitive benefits. Then, we'll discuss setting limits for video game play in kids, screen time addiction, and how Joon can help.

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Benefits Of Playing Video Games

In recent decades, research has found that video games can enhance learning, working memory, problem-solving, social, and other skills. Some advantages are tied to certain types of games. Let's go over what the research says and some of the major ways video gaming may be beneficial for children.

Socialization In Children

You might think of playing video games as a solitary activity, but this is not always the case. Games that require other players can help children develop important social skills, such as working together as a team or taking turns. Some children even cite making new friends as a reason they enjoy playing games. If you want to boost your child's social skills, consider games with social components. For example, you may invite your child's classmates or friends over to play a multiplayer game (some of which can double as active games, which can be an added benefit). If you prefer that your child does not meet new people online, pay close attention to the games you choose.

Strengthened Cognitive Skills

A new study discussed in a news release on the National Institute of Health website suggests that video gaming may be associated with better cognitive performance in children.

To make this correlation, researchers looked at survey, cognitive, and brain imaging data from almost 2,000 participants (who entered the study at ages 9 and 10). Researchers found that kids who played video games for three or more hours daily performed cognitive tasks both faster and more accurately than kids who never played.

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Improved Memory And Impulse Control

In looking at how video game play can strengthen cognitive skills, some of the primary cognitive benefits found by researchers looking at kids and video gaming show that they can support both memory and impulse control.

In the study mentioned above, which was published in JAMA Network Open, functional MRI brain imaging analyses also showed that children who played video games for three or more hours daily showed higher brain activity in parts of the brain associated with attention and memory than kids who never played. Improvements were seen in working memory and differences in key cortex regions responsible for attention, visual, and memory processing. Kids also did better on tasks that required impulse control.

Many games require kids to retain information to succeed, which may be part of why this is the case.

Increased Problem-Solving Skills

Many educational games and other video games require and help kids develop better problem-solving skills. A strong example of a popular game that requires problem-solving skills is Minecraft. However, this is not at all the only option. Many games require kids to think critically and find solutions, which is both fun and stimulating for the mind.

Better Understanding of School Subjects

Game-based learning can be powerful for kids who have trouble in school or for parents who simply want to make sure that their child is playing a game with real-life benefits. Educational games, such as games that actively work to boost reading, math, history, or science-related knowledge, may give children a better understanding of school subjects. Some of these games are even played by students in classroom settings at school.

This is a strong example of what we're talking about when we discuss educational screen time vs. non-educational screen time. It's important to note that games promoting other skills, including those that help kids finish chores or that aid social skills, can also be considered educational.

Setting Limits For Video Games

While video game play can be beneficial for children in many ways, it's important to strike a balance. The American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry (AACAP) has screen time guidelines for children ages 0-18 years of age parents can turn to if they aren't sure how much time to allow.

Currently, the AACAP's screen time guidelines recommend:

• Limiting screen use to video chatting along with adults (such as a family member who is out of town) only in kids 18 months or younger.
• Limiting screen use to educational programming for kids 18-24 months old.
• Time limits of one hour or less on non-educational screen time per day on weekdays and up to three hours per day on weekends for children ages two to five.
• Encouraging healthy habits related to screen time use in kids ages six or older.

While specific time limits are recommended for young kids, parents of kids and teens ages six or above can avoid the risks of too much screen time and encourage healthy habits by putting all technology away 30-60 minutes before bed and during family meals or outings. Being mindful of the kind of content a child consumes also matters.

The AACAP notes that what's okay for one child may not be right for another. Maturity level and other factors can play a role in what your child is ready for. With that in mind, let's talk about the possible risks of video game addiction.

Risks of Video Game Addiction

In 2019, the World Health Organization (WHO) added "gaming disorder" to its international classification of diseases (ICD). Gaming disorder describes an addiction to video games that affects a person's life negatively or causes clinically significant distress.

Risks associated with video game addiction include but aren't limited to:

• Emotional withdrawals when unable to play video games (may become angry or irritable)
• Losing interest in other activities one previously enjoyed in favor of playing games
• Social isolation or withdrawal from others in favor of playing video games
• Pain in the hands, back, or neck from excessive video game play
• Increased symptoms of anxiety and depression
• Decreased physical activity

Again, picking the right games, setting limits, and using other tools and practices, like parental controls, can be helpful in helping kids have a positive, healthy experience with gaming. If your child is experiencing the signs above and at-home approaches don't work, contact a medical or mental health professional who can help.

What are the Best Video Games for Kids?

The best video games for kids are the ones with real-life benefits. The following types of games are examples of video games that can have real-life benefits for kids.

• Education-specific (e.g., games that teach school subjects and second languages)
• Games that encourage thinking and problem-solving skills
• Games that promote routine, chores, or task completion
• Games designed to promote children's mental health
• Games that promote physical activity
• Games that promote social skills

Avoiding violent video games and other games that could be problematic for a child might be ideal for parents - especially those with young kids. Still, even some previously criticized games have been shown to carry certain benefits. At the end of the day, you know your child best. Looking over a game before your child plays can help you pick the right ones.

How Joon Can Help

How can a game help your child focus on real-life, offscreen activities? Joon is an app designed for kids with ADHD and related disorders, and it is here to help kids do exactly that. Here's how it works:

Adults sign up first with the Joon Parent App and make a task list for their children. When kids finish tasks parents assign, they get virtual rewards that let them move forward in the game and take care of a virtual pet in a separate app called Joon Pet Game. Accordingly, Joon motivates children who play video games a lot to fulfill real-life responsibilities and routine activities like school assignments, personal hygiene activities, and chores.

90% of kids who use Joon finish all their assigned tasks. Even better, many parents say Joon has improved their parent-child relationship.

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Takeaway 

Parents may have various concerns when it comes to the impacts of video games on children. Although playing video games too much can have negative consequences, research shows that playing video games can lead to certain benefits, too. Benefits of playing games include but aren't limited to improvements in social skills, problem-solving, impulse control, working memory, and other areas, like learning specific school subjects. It is reasonable for parents to be mindful of the specific games a child plays and to set limits rather than disallowing games altogether. Every child is different, and for kids with video game addiction, the support of a professional may be necessary.