Playing online games can be a great way for students to develop their skills and have fun. According to a study by the British National Literacy Trust, playing video games provides young people with a way to read, improves their self-confidence and reading skills, promotes their creativity and writing, supports positive communication with family and friends, increases empathy and supports mental well-being. Parents should not worry about their children spending all their time playing online as it can be beneficial for their performance in school. It is true that some studies have shown that certain video games can improve hand-eye coordination, problem-solving ability and the mind's ability to process information.
However, playing video games too much can cause problems. You can challenge your mom, dad, or even your grandmother to swing the bat at a baseball game or try some sophisticated moves at one of the dance games. The integration of games and education is nothing new: educational games have existed almost as long as personal computers. The Australian Office of the Electronic Security Commissioner, Think U Know UK, and the New Zealand organization Netsafe recognize that online games can help develop teamwork, concentration, communication and problem-solving skills.
Research from the Queensland University of Technology has found that games can improve children's thinking skills. Research in Australia involving more than 12,000 high school students found that when it came to Internet use, students who regularly played online video games scored higher on math, reading and science tests than their peers who didn't. Visit iParent on the Office of the Electronic Security Commissioner's website for tips and advice for parents to help their children have safe and enjoyable online experiences. The next advantage of playing games that involve other players is that your children will learn to cooperate in a team environment.
You must ensure that if your child must enter any online “game room”, it is age-appropriate and carefully monitored. Choose quality games and limit screen time, including television, computer, smartphone, tablet and video game time, to a reasonable amount. Despite old stereotypes about brain-rotting video games, a new study provides the most recent evidence to the contrary, and data shows that playing every day is linked to improvements in academic performance. While online gaming may seem like an isolating activity, they're often more social than some people think.
Posso suggests that students who regularly spend time playing online games are developing analytical and problem-solving skills that can also help them with their schoolwork. By allowing your child to play in the virtual environment, you provide them with a fun way to grow and develop as individuals. Children can learn that setting small goals can help them master much larger games, both in online games and in their lives. They will begin to understand that each of us has a unique set of skills and talents that are important for us to fulfill certain roles in life, both in the game and in the “real world”.
