Television, computer, consoles,… screens multiply in the lives of the little ones as well as the time they spend on them. So, right or wrong? Michael Stora, psychologist and psychoanalyst uses video games in his work with teenagers and helps us clear the issue.
First of all, we must know that perfectly serious scientific research brings reassuring results. Especially across the Atlantic, Patricia Greenfield led her own research for 15 years and showed that these amusements develop cognitive skills: 3D spatialization, multitasking (performing multiple tasks at the same time), and deductive intelligence. In essence, playing electronic gadgets change our relationship to knowledge. One is no longer in the usual hypothetico-deductive position. There, it is by playing that you learn and it’s hard.
Moreover, the Gulli Observatory showed that children who played an hour at the console needed to rest… possibly in front of the television. The concentration requirement is not at all the same, of course.
And the video game is not the place of discharge or the punching ball that we believe. Playing, you learn not to be in the “Everything and right away”. The video game is a place of perseverance.”
Why parents’ distrust video games?
There are several reasons for this: first, most did not know this toy in their own childhood. It is then impossible for the parent to identify and understand the pleasure found there. I would go even further by mentioning certain parental jealousy: our girls play “zombie shooter”, it was not possible when their mother was a child.
Soon even, should release a game where we can remove the Charming Princes! Our children have no problem with that. The child has new freedom that his parents did not know.
On the other hand, the adult sanctifies his/her relationship to the images broadcast by the television. But video games are a counterculture of television and ideal images that parents dream of for their children. See Tolkien RPG with very symbolic characters. The choice of the avatar by the child is going to be very revealing. For the adult, it’s unsettling.”
What benchmarks should parents in conflict with their children give on the subject?
Computer gaming has become a new issue of authority. Conflicts arise from mistakes made by ignorance. Thus, one knows how to take the time to negotiate the time of the bath at the end of the cartoon, the time of bedtime at the end of the story, or such a chapter. But the parents demand that the child turn off his console immediately, in the middle of an action. Now he must complete his mission or at least save his game. Otherwise, we take the risk of confronting his anger, which is justified as if you were ripped off your book in the middle of reading a sentence.
It is also important to take the time to communicate: what is it about? Is it difficult? Etc. Even when possible or when the game is played on the TV screen, sit by his side and watch. It can be, as a bonus, exciting!
What health precautions should you take when playing video games?
Electronic gaming, an outlet sometimes necessary …
There is a lot of debate about electronics gaming, and while some people don’t have a strong opinion, others remain permeable to criticism. But then, who’s right? First of all, and even children’s experts agree, computer gaming are an effective way to channel the impulses and frustrations of our teens. At this age when they are constantly called to order and faced with rules, they do not always understand, video games act as a valve and allow them to let go of the pressure. In addition, they greatly improve their imagination and act as an effective anti-severe.
Don’t start too young
In the age of tablets and other connected objects, children are confronted with these technologies as younger and younger. But it’s easy to understand that it’s not necessarily for their own good. Young children often “stick” to the tablet screen, which in the long run will damage their vision. The same goes for headphones, they do not have the maturity to know that a high volume too long will interfere with their hearing. More generally, keep an eye on very young children and have them play non-virtual activities as much as possible. Their psychomotor development will be even better.
Isolation and epilepsy: the two major risks
In adolescents, of course, excessive cases of addiction and isolation are reported to be related to electronics gaming. They spend hours without moving from their console and thus deny any social connection with their family and loved ones. This is a rather rare behavior, certainly amplified by playing electronic gadgets, but often reflects a fragility that already existed in the user. These games are not going to make your kids addicted or sick if you take the right steps.
First, ask him not to play in total darkness. Indeed, sometimes strobe images of video graphics can lead to epileptic seizures. Also, encourage them to pose for ten minutes every hour so they can aerate, rest and think about something else. It is also important to set benchmarks and limits at the beginning of a playing session. It is important to listen to your body when you play. Are your eyes, neck, or wrists painful? Then it’s time to take a break.
Conclusion:
Video games have pros and cons but it is always for parents to decide whether they allow their children to play or not. Things like what is it to play, where, what time, and how long, should be considered. As the research video gaming has many positive effects but those negative effects can also be deadly.
In rare cases, there have been several reposts especially in other countries in Asia like China and the Philippines where teens stole money in order to rent a computer to play games. Others steal mobile phones, consoles, and gadgets.
Is always important for parents to guide their children especially young kids like toddlers. They are too young to be allowed to play.