The thought of encouraging your child to play video games may be frightening for a parent. You might be thinking it’s a waste of time or can have a negative influence on your child. But don’t go banning this entertainment outlet in your household just yet. We’ve advanced tremendously from the console-based games we grew up with and now favor cell phones, tablets, computers, and other electronic devices that make gaming more affordable and accessible. Surprisingly, there are a tremendous amount of benefits that come from the new technologies in the gaming world. We have laid out the information that explains why video games can actually have a positive impact on your child’s cognitive development!
Developing STEM Skills
As an immersive, project-based institution, our school highlights the importance of play in learning and motivates students to participate in STEM activities at school and at home. To build on those skills, we recommend STEM-based games, such as “Minecraft” and “Fortnite.” Players develop and nurture skills, such as problem-solving, critical thinking, as well as logic, design, mathematics, coding, and so forth. With these lessons, your child will get a good understanding about their interests and career path.
Heightened Intellectual Functions
Children who play video games for several hours a week are often better at intellectual functioning. There has been no negative link between video games and mental health. In fact, students achieve higher academic success and foster more positive relationships with their peers due to the cognitive and creative aspects of gaming. This stimulation boosts brainpower, which enhances memory and improves concentration. Watch how focused your child becomes as he tries to master each level and accomplish the entire game. That’s why our school often implements virtual technology sources into our learning methodology.
Reduces Social Anxiety
A crucial component of the grade school experience — and life — is building relationships. Online communication offers socially anxious children an interactive opportunity. Real-life relationships can be very intimidating to children with social anxiety, which can lead to failed practice in social settings. Digital activities provide a safe space for your child to engage with his peers without the stress of face-to-face interactions. To strengthen their bonds, allow your child to connect with his friends through computer games.
Moderate Healthy Gaming
Although we recommend your child playing video games, allow for a transitional process while implementing healthy game time into their schedule. Remember that moderation is key with anything, especially screen time. Success stories typically involve an average of five hours per week. Be sure to become familiar with the parental and privacy settings of their systems. You want them to work independently, but you will still need to be involved in their digital lives for their safety. Show him you support him by being by his side while he gets started and sets up his profile.
At North Tampa Christian Academy, a Tampa private school, the faculty, staff, and families work as a team. Our service-oriented approach builds Christian leaders who think deeply, choose wisely, create beauty, and use their dreams to solve problems. Want to learn more about what makes us different? Contact us today.