4 benefits of video games for children

Several studies have shown that video games contribute to and affect the development of the individual, and as children begin to use them in a playful way since they are young, it is important that parents have knowledge of the positive aspects or benefits of video games for children which can affect the psychological and cognitive development of the child.

4 qualities of video games that benefit the development of children

1. Multiple levels of difficulty. The possibility of establishing skill levels allows the child to start with an open mode to "explore". As he is dominating the game, he will be able to rise to his level to a level of more challenge for him.


2. Opportunities to make decisions.Look for games and activities that give your child the opportunity to express their preferences and interests, instead of having everything prefixed by the software. The freedom to choose a color or a character at the beginning of the game - as well as the opportunity to make other choices throughout it - will develop the child's independent character and sense of being in control of something.

3. Multiple players at a time.Performing a computer game or a program with someone else - either with another child or perhaps with you - gives your child the opportunity to talk about what he is learning and discovering. These conversations are a good way to find out what he experiences. It may surprise you: maybe what you see your child doing is different from what he thinks he is doing.


4. Absence of stereotypes and violence.It is possible that some activities insert certain subtle sexual and cultural biases. The voice of a character, for example, can link it to a certain accent related to a negative behavior. Read the reviews online or rent the games before buying. Avoid games whose characters resort to violence to resolve conflicts.

Benefits of video games for children

We know that when the child plays, it develops integrally at a biopsychological, physical and social level (Garaigordobil, 1990). Likewise, it has been proven that when the child plays with videogames he develops skills and abilities of the social psychology that affect the process teaching-learning, among which the following stand out:

to. Your ability to use symbols increases, because through these games, can represent different phenomena, analyze their conscious experiences, plan, imagine and act in a proactive manner.


b. The player uses his self-regulation processes in such a way that he can control, select and organize external influences so that he does not limit himself to reacting to the playful situations he has during the game.

c. The player interacts with the environment, so that during the game the person manages the reins of the situation and establishes the limits of their autonomy.

d. Motivation and visual and auditory stimulation of videogames allows the player to solve different levels of problems and difficulties, thus obtaining the mastery of skills and abilities characteristic of technology.

Recommendations for parents and the use of video games

While it is true that there are aggressive video games, it is also important to point out the existence of harmless video games for the player, and therefore it is not convenient to label video games as harmful elements, it all depends on the video games that we acquired and that we provide to the child.

to. It is important that the content of video games is known that is acquired as well as its instructions, which will help us to choose those games most appropriate for each age.
b. It is recommended that video games are not sexist, violent or racist.
c. Encourage the use of video games that allow the participation of more than one player.
d. Limit the time of the use of video games. It is recommended that you play between 30 to 60 minutes per day, depending on the age of the child.
and. Let's not forget that the game and its resources must vary, therefore the adult will try that the child diversifies the game and its objects of game.
F. Care must be taken that parents and teachers get involved during the game, in such a way that they are coparticipants in this activity.

Dr. Francisco Javier Lavilla Royo. Specialist in Nephrology. Nephrology Service of the University Clinic of Navarra.

It may interest you:

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