The pandemic has changed our lives in such a way that we are never prepared for the volatile changes in the scenario. The gadgets that were considered taboo for kids have started ruling their lives. Even while we try to set screentime, online classes have become rampant and it has become imperative to give a gadget to the kids for their learning purpose. As a result, they have more access to the internet and the colorful world of cyber addiction. For young kids, this entails online games. From a time when kids playing online games was considered blasphemy, we have come ti a world where they find their own games and if needed design one. Yes, technology has grown and we have to grow along. While there are several disadvantages of online games, there are some online games’ advantages that you cannot deny. If dealt with ample planning you can use them to improve your child’s learning as well.
Post lockdown, I have been too tense about my kids’ screentime as they were addicted to online games and other screentime was touching the sky. Having three kids of age 10,8 and 6, my house used to echo the noises from the online games. I have been trying to get rid of this fever of theirs till I realized how I can pitch into their advantages.
Online games’ advantages
1. Reduce stress
Yes! Contrary to the belief that online games create stress, they indeed help to reduce stress. I still remember my father playing solitaire every day after coming back from the office. But now learning more about the advantages of online games I realize how stress-free he would be feeling after playing solitaire.
2. Improve your relations
While you play online games,they improve your mood as the stress levels go down. This in turn has a positive effect on your relationships. When you are in a good mood, obviously you will have a good relationship.
3. Improve concentration
I have always heard that playing online games reduces kids’ concentration. But I can tell you from my personal experience that one of the major online games’ advantages is that they improve concentration. Yes! Nonetheless, you need to be careful while choosing the right games like preschool, puzzles, quiz, etc. They give information, brain exercise, and in the process improve concentration. My son has ADHD and these selected games have contributed so much to improve his concentration.
4. Earning
You might be surprised to know that gaming can be an earning option too. Professional gamers gain an enormous amount of money by just playing games. This is something that was unthinkable for about a decade back.
5. Develop social skills
Playing games improve your capability of teamwork, communication skills, decision-making skills, and whatnot. Hence you can develop all skills that could help you in the future in different aspects of life.
Tips to improve online game safety
- Be with your child while choosing which game to play
- Have a preset time table to play the games
- Make sure to include the informative games along with the entertainment ones
- Keep the gadgets in common rooms
- Always monitor what your child is playing
- Have a back up account to see how the sites function
- Educate your child about which types of games to play and which to avoid
- Tell your child to open up if their are subjected to online bullying.
- Be their friend and be transparent
While online games’ advantages are so much, we need to keep in mind the disadvantages too. Make sure your child is playing the right online games appropriate to his/her age. If you are an adult, find the games that are helpful to you and help in improving the skills mentioned above. I rely on Plays.org when it comes to online games. Which is your favorite online game? Share it below and if you wish to share any insights into the advantages and disadvantages, join our wellness community and submit your posts on the same.