A Parent’s Guide to Healthy Gaming

This post was written by Indiana Lee.

A recent study found that about 40% of South Africans play video games. Whether it’s on a console, mobile device, or online, gaming is a way of life for millions of people across the globe – especially kids. They can keep children occupied for hours, provide endless entertainment, and even offer some benefits that many people might not realize at first.

However, too much gaming can do more harm than good. No matter the type of games your child is playing, letting them sit for hours at a time glued to a screen can be harmful to their physical and mental well-being.

So, how do you know if your child is gaming too much? More importantly, what can you do to help them strike a healthy balance and ensure they’re getting other things done so they can enjoy video games as a reward? We’ve got a few effective tips for you.

Supporting Your Child’s Hobby

If your child has a healthy relationship with gaming and it’s their favorite hobby, do what you can to support them and encourage the continued use of video games in a healthy, stable way. One way to do that is by putting together a designated space for your child’s gaming endeavors. A game room should include things like:

• Ergonomic chairs or specialized gaming chairs
• A computer desk
• Storage options
• Sofas and sectionals
• Bean bag chairs or recliners

Most importantly, a designated game room should show off your child’s personality, so don’t be afraid to get their input when it comes to decor.

You can also support your child by learning more about the types of games they like, and even showing an interest in other gamers they follow. It’s not uncommon for kids who love video games to watch other players live stream on platforms like Twitch. It’s a way for them to learn more about certain games and watch some of the top players conquer major challenges. However, platforms like Twitch are often better suited for older kids, so make sure you monitor the content your child is viewing and educate them on how to stay safe on every online platform.

How Much Is Too Much?

So, your child loves gaming and you want to be supportive of their hobby, but what if it seems to be all they do? How can you tell if your child is gaming too much?

Chances are, if they’re in front of a screen too often, you’ll know it because it will start to impact everyone’s life in your family. Video game addictions often lead to issues like:

• Poor school performance
• Not getting enough exercise
• Not spending time with friends
• Prioritizing gaming over everything else

If gaming starts to impair your child’s life in any way, chances are they’re spending too much time doing it. There’s a fine line between enjoying a hobby and becoming obsessed with it. If they’re showing those signs and you allow the addiction to continue, they could start to become angry if you try to take the games away or suggest a different activity.

Instead of using video games as a way to keep your child occupied, get involved with them as much as possible. Even if you’re just in the same room, asking the occasional question about what they’re playing, it will help to keep your child “grounded” in reality, and they might not get so immersed in a virtual world that they have a hard time getting out of it.

Finding a Balance

Many kids like video games because they’re good at them, and they might feel like they don’t have many other “real world” skills. However, they can learn a lot from games depending on what they’re playing. Some of the greatest skills children can learn from regular gaming include:

• Problem solving
• Spatial awareness
• Hand-eye coordination
• Vision and speed skills
• Empathy

Video games can also teach kids how to work together with others to fix a problem, and how to strategize and be patient. Those are all characteristics that they can take with them into careers later in life, and they can even help with their responsibilities now. Encourage them to use some of those skills when they’re doing chores around the house or when they’re trying to work through a tough problem on their homework.

When they can associate real-life situations with the things they enjoy about video games, they’re more likely to take charge of their responsibilities. As they recognize the skills they’re building, their confidence will grow, and that’s also an important characteristic to have as they enter adulthood.

Video games really aren’t as bad as some people make them out to be. Obviously, it’s important to monitor what your children are playing and to make sure they’re not spending all of their time in front of a screen. However, if you can strike a healthy balance, support their hobby, and keep them safe, there’s no reason gaming shouldn’t be a part of your child’s life.

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