Benefits of Video Games for Kids
Have you ever wished your kids would put down the console and pick up a book?
We get it.
You’re stressed about screen time, have concerns about unsuitable content, and are anxious gaming will impact academic performance.
Despite their widespread popularity, video games are often met with skepticism.
But what if we said there are video gaming wins that might just outweigh your worries?
Of course, we support your literary leanings, but let’s not overlook the fact that gaming can actually benefit our children in lots of ways, which we’ll explore below.
But before we get into the positive aspects of video games, we’re going to quickly challenge one of the main misconceptions that surround them.
“Video games are just mindless entertainment!”
This seems like a good place to start. Because, yes – video games are often highly entertaining – but they can also be powerful tools for learning and personal development. And while some contain graphic scenes and violent themes, it’s equally possible to find games offering educational experiences, such as LEGO Smart Dash.
In fact, many of the negative effects commonly attributed to video games are the result of unregulated use or excessive screen time – and we look at how you can monitor and manage these in our article on setting healthy limits on video games.
So having smashed some stereotypes, let’s turn our attention to the benefits that video games can – when approached responsibly – bring to your child’s life.
Cognitive benefits
Think of video games as virtual playgrounds – like the fantastical world of Super Mario – where every level is packed with puzzles and challenges that require kids to analyze information, devise strategies, and overcome obstacles.
Just as playing Minecraft requires problem-solving skills and spatial awareness, making it an engaging game for the cognitive development of players of all ages.
As children get to grips with complex game scenarios, they develop critical-thinking skills that can be applied to real-world situations. And because many video games require players to remember rules, characters, and storylines, they test a child’s ability to retain and remember information. Last but not least, the task- or objective-based nature of games can do wonders for their concentration levels.