By Ori Blank

Have you ever stopped to think about what games you played as a child, or what games were popular at the time? Whether it was jumping across floating bricks to rescue a princess, racing cars around colorful tracks, or fighting enemies in a virtual world, video games have not only been a defining part of many childhoods, but also cultural artifacts. As technology has advanced, video games have become increasingly realistic. With improved graphics, lifelike animations, and engaging environments, there are now more video games featuring explicit violence, intense combat, and mature themes that were once barely imaginable.

According to a recent study published in peer-reviewed open-access academic journal Frontiers in Psychology, violent video games can potentially lead to behaviors that are not conducive to healthy youth development. Some examples of these behaviors include, but are not limited to, “pathological lying, manipulative behavior, lack of impulse control, irresponsibility, and immediate reward seeking”. While researchers continue to debate on the extent to which violent video games affect behavior, many experts agree that children and teenagers are particularly impressionable because their minds are still developing. Although violent video games are not the only source for these kinds of behaviors, they can become a contributing factor among many.

Another concern is that many violent video games reward the player for progression. In video games, you typically earn points, level up, unlock achievements, and progress with the story the more you play. However, when these reward systems are paired up with violent content, they may invite repeated exposure to aggressive topics and behavior. Even though most young people can differentiate between fiction and reality, it is very possible that long-term exposure to these mechanics may impact how children perceive conflict resolution and decision-making.

Beyond the possible effects on behaviors, excessive gaming not just limited to violent games can also impact a child’s overall wellbeing. As noted by Harvard Health, excessive gaming has links to “sleep deprivation, insomnia and circadian rhythm disorders, depression, aggression, and anxiety”. When gaming begins to interfere with a child’s wellbeing, academic performances, relationships, physical activity, and social skills, it can pose a much larger concern for parents and caregivers.

Altogether, while many youths and teens have fun gaming, there comes a point where you have to decide what games are age appropriate for your kid to play, in addition to creating boundaries that do not affect physical or mental health. Fortunately, parents, families, and schools can take proactive steps to help young people enjoy healthy gaming habits while still allowing them to appreciate video games as a medium of entertainment.

Steps families can take to promote healthy gaming habits:

  • Pay attention to game ratings: Before purchasing or downloading a game, check its ESRB rating and content descriptions. These ratings provide valuable information regarding maturity levels that are decided by violence, language, and other mature themes that you may not want your kid exposed to.
  • Establish reasonable time limits: Set healthy boundaries around gaming to ensure that it is not too much of a time suck. Remember that excessive gaming can have damaging effects on a child’s sleeping habits, schoolwork, physical activity, social skills, and relationships. Setting reasonable time limits and committing to them can prevent your kid from having an obsession.
  • Monitor the games being played: Take an active interest in the games your kid plays. Understanding the game’s themes, content, and online interaction can help you identify certain behaviors you may see in your kid. Monitoring the games your kid plays also helps you make decisions about what is appropriate or inappropriate for your child’s age and maturity levels.
  • Promote alternate activities: While enjoying video games is not inherently a bad thing for kids, it should not be the only pastime they have. Make sure your kid participates in other activities to create a healthy balance such as sports, clubs, reading, outdoor activities, and spending time with friends and family.
  • Follow the 20-20-20 rule: Every 20 minutes, try to look at something 20 feet away for 20 seconds. This simple habit alone can greatly reduce eye strain and fatigue primarily associated with prolonged screen usage.

Conversation starters:

  1. What types of video games do you enjoy most, and why?
  2. Why do you think violent games might appeal to the youth even if they are intended for a mature audience?
  3. At what point would you consider a video game to be excessive with violence?
  4. How can parents help children develop healthy gaming habits?

Learn more:

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