Dads who grew up with their own set of video games can remember the feeling of playing non-stop. Nowadays, games are incredibly more advanced, with various console options, ways to play online with friends and family, and even gear that allows you to get “inside” the game via virtual reality.
However, one thing that remains the same is how kids can pick up the controller and suddenly spend the entire afternoon on the couch playing. If you have a child who just seems fixated on video games, it may be time to have a conversation and introduce moderation.
Should Kids Play Video Games?
Around 71% of Americans under 18 play video games, and my own children are fans. Given the array of games available today, kids with a variety of interests can find games that resonate with them, offering a fun and even educational experience. For many children, video games are a passion and a creative outlet.
It might surprise you to know that gaming is also beneficial to kids’ cognitive health. The obstacles in many games allow kids to work on their problem-solving skills and memory. The graphics also help them practice spatial visualization and attention to detail.
If your kids show an interest in video games, allowing them to play in moderation can give them an enjoyable way to boost their development.
Do Video Games Affect Children’s Behavior?
In some cases, video games can affect children’s behavior. Ever since the popularization of video games, players have had different experiences with them. While some are casual players who log on just a few times a week, others become obsessed fans.
In recent years, you may have seen stories about kids becoming addicted to video games. These situations can happen when children have unrestricted and unmonitored access to their computers, tablets or consoles. When kids can play their favorite games all day long, they’re likely to neglect their responsibilities, avoid spending time with their families and even develop behavior problems.
As a parent, you can strike a balance between keeping devices under lock and key and letting your kids use them whenever they want. Additionally, you can place some flexible restrictions on certain games to make sure your children play appropriate games for their ages and skill levels. This way, it’s not an all-or-nothing situation.
When Can Kids Play Video Games?
Generally, kids just need a few time limits when playing video games to avoid any adverse impacts. It’s recommended to keep leisure screen time to one hour on weekdays and three hours on weekends.
Of course, the exact time limits you decide on will depend on your children’s schedules and your personal preferences. Some kids may agree on an arrangement where they fully focus on their studies throughout the week and get extended playing time on the weekends. Others may want longer gaming sessions after school in exchange for weekend chores.
Overall, just remember that moderation is the goal.
Ways to Regulate Video Games
Here are a few tips on approaching your child’s gaming hobby to make sure they have fun with their newfound hobby — and still make time for homework, chores, socializing and family time.
1. Clarify Their Responsibilities
Like any fun activity, video games should be enjoyed — but they should come second to other responsibilities. If your kids are forgoing studying and cleaning their rooms for a few rounds on their favorite game, it’s time to have a chat about their responsibilities. Consider setting rules and a schedule so your expectations are clear.
Prepare a few consequences if your kids go against the rules. For example, if they exceed their allotted gaming time, you might lessen it for the next day. A scheduled screen break between their play sessions can also help.
However, you want to avoid making it seem like video games are a reward. If kids know they only have to do a few tasks before logging on for the night, they’ll see them as a means to an end and try to get them done as soon as possible, which can lead to incomplete homework assignments and poorly completed chores. In other words, they won’t see the value in their other responsibilities.
The best approach is to have an open conversation with your kid. I always talk to my children and say video games should let them destress and have fun. I want them to grow up knowing they deserve to relax and enjoy their hobbies. At the same time, I explain that I care about their health and well-being, which is why responsibilities are important and moderation matters.
2. Create a Gaming Curfew
Since gaming sessions are associated with sleepless nights, a curfew can help. Make the consoles and computers off-limits an hour before bedtime. This extra limit makes sure they still get a good night’s rest.
3. Keep an Eye on Their Games
As great as games are, you should steer clear of certain titles. Some are bizarre, unsettling and violent, especially for younger audiences. There are usually age recommendations on Steam and other online gaming platforms. Vet each game your kid wants to download so you can make sure it’s suitable for them.
Aside from checking the titles, you should also look at their friends list. Make sure your kids only add and talk to friends and family members. Consider adjusting the settings on their device to help them protect themselves.
4. Participate in the Sessions
If you can’t beat them, join them. It’s always beneficial to show an interest in your kids’ activities and bond with them. Look for co-op and multiplayer games you can play together. This way, you can keep an eye on their online activities, all while creating memories with them and allowing them to enjoy their favorite hobby.
5. Suggest Other Recreational Activities
While video games can be an enjoyable and even educational hobby, kids should spend time experimenting with different activities. This way, they can learn different skills, gain new experiences and have fun with their friends.
Encourage your kids to join extracurricular activities, sign up for sports or take part in classes outside of school. As a family, you can visit the playground, go on nature walks and play games like basketball or soccer when the weather is nice.
Remember, video games will always be there — but your kids won’t always have the chance to build memories with their friends on the football field or discover new interests in debate club. With the right schedule in place, they can focus on responsibilities and hobbies outside of video games and still have the time to hang out with their friends online.
Let Kids Play Video Games
Overall, gaming is a fun hobby that can teach kids a variety of unique skills. So long as you keep a watchful eye over their online activities and help them create a feasible screen time routine and schedule, they’ll be just fine.