Nowadays, video games are part of the world of children, often from a very young age. Children have access to these games on different platforms: the computer, game consoles, but also tablets and mobile phones. It is therefore important to control the use, because some video games may involve risks. However, these games can also contribute to the learning and development of children’s skills. That’s why it’s not necessary to ban them.
The benefits of video games
The child can reinforce certain qualities and skills through the use of video games, depending on the type of games chosen. Several specialists have also recognized the benefits.
Video games can help connect with others, both online (multiplayer games) and offline, as about 70% of children share this interest.
Some multiplayer games, for example puzzles, require teamwork and cooperation
- Depending on their nature, video games can help improve the child’s self-esteem or mood. Although video games are not a solution to self-esteem issues, they can help the child feel better. For example, the child who has lower self-esteem can, by completing a mission or completing a level of play, experience success and develop a better image of himself.
- Some video games develop skills that are useful for science subjects, such as logic, speed of information processing, and visual and spatial skills. They have an advantage over traditional games in this area, because the interaction and speed of execution required reinforce certain intellectual abilities.
- Other slower video games, such as puzzles or some investigative games, improve problem-solving ability. Since the rules are not written, the child must use deduction and creativity to solve problems in a wide variety of situations.
Video games are less passive than television and can be used to actively learn some subjects ( mathematics , history, language) and to inform children about social issues. Well chosen, these games can strengthen empathy, openness to other realities than his own, and sharpen judgment.
The main goal of video games is to motivate the player to complete the different levels in order to succeed the game. Studies show an effect on the child’s ability to maintain motivation in the long term and to persevere until realization of a task.
Strategy Games
Games in this category can be puzzles or more advanced strategy games such as games that require building a city or conquering a territory. When appropriate for the child’s age group, they sharpen the faculty of logic, creativity and problem solving.
Simulation Games
They revive a real-life environment for the child. It can be the screen reproduction of a sport or the simulation of the operation of a space shuttle. They sometimes include a role play , a virtual universe where the child is represented by an avatar or an animated character. Depending on the context of the game, they may require some reflection, passing on information to the child, making it live a different reality to his own, and exercising his ability to resolve conflicts or other problems. These are the essentials
