Did you realize that the average 8-year-old has spent around 8,000 hours playing video games? And they will have worked around 15,000 hours by the time they become 18 years old. Given those figures, it’s understandable why some parents are becoming concerned about the impact online gaming may have on their kids. As parents, we must understand the varied consequences that online gaming may have on our kids. Certain games can be harmful and hazardous, even though many games are safe and even educational. This blog article will highlight the most frequent impacts that children who play online games might experience. By being aware of these impacts, we can take precautions to assist our kids in playing video games in a safe and healthy way without suffering any harmful effects.
Table of Contents
1. Increased Aggression
The rise of hostility is the first and most obvious effect that online games have on kids. Online gaming has been linked to an increase in violent thoughts, sentiments, and behaviors, according to studies. This is because gamers frequently see violent situations when gaming, which might desensitize them to violence. The competitive aspect of many online games might also encourage players to adopt a more aggressive attitude. It’s crucial to take action if you’ve discovered that your youngster has gotten more hostile after they started playing internet games. Moreover, online casinos also affect online games. Plus, online casino malaysia is good for those who want to try their luck in casino games.
2. Poor Academic Performance
There is a correlation between playing online games and subpar academic achievement, according to several research. This is due to the fact that gamers frequently spend too much time playing games, which limits their ability to concentrate on their schoolwork. Games may also be quite addicting, which may make it difficult for youngsters to focus on anything else. It’s crucial to take action if you’ve seen that your child’s grades have declined after they started playing video games. Additionally, some research has connected gaming to attention deficit disorders and other issues that may make it difficult for youngsters to excel in school.
3. Weight Gain
It’s not unexpected that internet games might result in weight gain because they frequently require playing while seated in front of a computer or TV for extended periods of time. Your child may not be receiving enough exercise if they spend too much time playing video games, which can result in obesity. Additionally, a lot of gamers like to eat unhealthy junk food as snacks while they play, which can also cause weight gain. Make sure your child is receiving enough exercise and eating a healthy diet if you are worried about their weight.
4. Lack of Social Interaction
The absence of social connection is another common impact that online games have on kids. Online game-playing kids frequently don’t socialize with others as much as they should. After beginning to play online games, they could start to withdraw more and become more reclusive. In order to play more online games, many teenagers and tweens have a tendency to distance themselves from their families and friends. It may be due to their online gaming habit if you’ve found that your youngster is retreating from social activities or doesn’t want to engage with people as much as they used to. In order to prevent them from becoming overly solitary, try to motivate them to spend time with family and friends and take part in group activities.
5. Depression And Anxiety
Children who are immersed in playing online games may begin to show signs of despair and anxiety. An investigation done in 2017 found that internet gaming disorder is a serious issue that is spreading around the globe. According to the study, kids who play online games for extended periods of time are more prone to experience anxiety and sadness. It may be related to their online gaming habit if you’ve observed that your child’s mood has altered or they aren’t acting like themselves. Try to find out how they’re feeling from them and find out if there is anything going on in their lives that could be upsetting them.
6. Problems With Sleep
It’s possible that your youngster isn’t getting enough sleep if they stay up late at night playing internet games. Children who don’t get enough sleep are more likely to experience ADHD, sadness, and anxiety, according to studies. Additionally, they can have trouble focusing in class, which could be why they’re not performing as well as they could. In order for your child to have a decent night’s sleep, make sure they go to bed at a sensible hour. Additionally, try to restrict how long they play so kids don’t stay up too late.
7. Eye Strain
Eye strain is another typical issue that kids may have when playing internet games. Your youngster may have headaches, eyestrain, or even hazy vision if they stare at the computer screen for an extended period of time or sit too near to it. Make sure your youngster takes breaks every 20 minutes or so and looks away from the computer to help prevent this. A minimum of 10 to 12 inches should be placed between them and the monitor. Additionally, making sure the room’s lighting isn’t too bright or too dark might aid lessen eye strain.
8. Carpal Tunnel Syndrome
Another ailment that can be brought on by playing video games is carpal tunnel syndrome. It happens when the tendons in the wrist become squeezed, resulting in hand and arm discomfort, tingling, and numbness. Take a break from gaming if your child exhibits any of these signs, and if the problem persists, take them to the doctor. The parent must watch over their child to make sure they don’t play for too long and to take breaks when necessary.
Conclusion
The consequences of youngsters playing online games are summarized above. To protect their child’s safety when playing video games online, parents must be aware of these effects and adopt the appropriate safety measures.
