While video gaming is a multibillion-dollar industry globally, the relation between children and their affinity towards gaming is bothering and needs evaluation. Despite age, the acceptance of gaming has become a popular fun activity. The majority of our teenager's time is spent on video games and play stations. According to research, teens often spend more time in video games than children, and on average, boys spend more hours than girls.
Development in video gaming is so real and sophisticated. While some games have educational content, most popular games emphasize dangerous, damaging, inappropriate or unwanted themes and promote various bad ideas. There are specific gaming platforms where players can play the game and let to chat or interact with strangers, which is so inappropriate and risky.
WHAT IDEAS ARE BEING PROMOTED
Murder and violence are two prevalent ideas and bases of many video games today. The long-standing question of whether violence depicted in video games can set off violence in real life still prevails. A slew of studies says about the link that connects natural world aggression and violent video games.The amount of violence depicted in some games is astounding—agony, machine guns, bombs, bloodsheds, immoralities, and more.
The use and abuse of drugs and alcohol in teenagers are possible by non-monitored video gaming addiction. Substance abuse is promoted and glorified in many of the popular video games today. Normalizing drugs and substances are seen in such games. Unconsciously accepted thoughts about drugs and substances are more likely to generate in children's and teenagers' minds. This situation of manipulation is not safe.
Disrespect for authority and the law is ordinary trait players, especially young children, and teenagers get caught. Playing games having objectives of theft, evading, and even killing the Police are all familiar. Some of the law officers fear that "The aim is to kill as many people as possible, only then your scores get higher and when you can do something extraordinary like killing an officer or blasting a police car, you are rewarded higher." When kids are being fed this, they automatically start to think these are normal and okay. Normalicies are being redefined wrong. Police and the authority mortify children. Imprinting an idea, they are criminals, Police and sheriffs are bad guys - such video games actively do them.
Violence and sexual exploitation towards women are severe and dangerous promotions video games may do in children and teenagers. Current researches suggest links between negative attitudes towards women and video games that sexually objectify women. Proliferating sexual objectification (e.g., pole strippers, prostitutes) and violence against women through video games seriously impact children's attitude towards women and provide a reason for social concerns.
Foul language and obscene gestures findings revealed that children are exposed to offensive language usage and aggression, which is associated with acceptance among the peers—using similar language, which influences their verbal and physical aggression. Teenagers swearing is such a 'normal' scene now, which is not an appropriate practice to follow further.
Children and adults overly involving in video gaming have difficulty controlling the amount of time they play. They are more likely to resist their parents' attempts to limit gaming time. Excessive video gaming can also lead to:
Poor social skills and less time socializing with family and friends.
Lower grades and poor academic performance
Interest in reading books dramatically decreases
Chances are high to follow unhealthy eating habits and to lead to poor health conditions.
Sleeping disorders and poor quality sleep.
Aggressive behaviors and thoughts.
Finds no time for hobbies, school work, and family
HOW PARENTS CAN HELP
Monitored video gaming hours can be used as beneficial and purposeful. Avoid problems by:
Checking ESRB (Electronic Software Ratings Board) ratings to choose appropriate and beneficial games for your child.
Understand video games are not suitable for pre-school-aged children. Restrict them from playing video games.
You can get to know the game content by playing with them.
Set clear and focused rules about playing time and content.
Encourage physical activities and other hobbies.
Enforcing total screen time and make them aware of its purpose.
Monitoring their online interactions and warning children about possible dangers of internet contacts.
Ensuring the importance of schoolwork and chores above video games.
Be a role model yourself to your kids by choosing appropriate content and time.
In moderation, age-appropriate games can be beneficial and healthy. Games promoting problem-solving, learning, and fine motor skills and coordination are better to provide them for their gaming hours. Gift them happy gaming hours!
*picture credits: FreePik
