For parents, saying yes to video games is quite hard. I am not an exception. I wasn’t in favor of online games too. But keeping in mind what we all have seen in the last year, many parents, including me, have started to show a little interest in them. When our kids weren’t able to go out to play, online games came to our rescue. Many new platforms came up with fun and entertaining games that are suitable for different age groups. 

My kiddo also finished his pre-kindergarten from home. Online games helped me in looking for fun ways to teach him things that he would have learned at school. But being a parent, the thought that whether online gaming is good for kids or not was always there at the back of my mind. 

Lately, I have read quite a lot about the positive benefits of online gaming. So let me share some of those benefits with you. But before that, let me put a disclaimer. 

Disclaimer: By writing this post, my intention is not to promote online games. It should be purely parent’s choice whether, how, or when they want to introduce them to their kids. I understand parent’s concern. But after reading about the benefits, I thought of sharing them with other parents and help them decide if they want to give it a thought. 

Benefits of online games:

1. Online games make kids more active:

Some games promote a whole-body level of interaction, even those requiring a simple handheld controller can lead to physical activity. For example, games like basketball, tennis, golf keep kids on their toes.

2. It improves memory and concentration:

Puzzles, mazes, memory games are excellent ways to keep those brain cells into action. Frequently playing online games will make children’s brains function quicker and overall improve their memory power.

3. It improves decision-making and analytical skills:

As the game moves forward, players have to think quickly about their following actions. These analytical skills will be helpful in real life, where there is a need for immediate problem-solving.

4. They keep food cravings under control:

When kids don’t know what to do, they eat junk. But when they realize they have an option to keep themselves entertained, they can keep themselves away from untimely food cravings.

5. Online games relax them:

Games are the first option for relaxation. If kids want to play these games for some duration, then there is no harm in it.  

6. Mind and hand coordination:

This is one of the primary and important advantages that the kids experience while playing online games. They learn to coordinate their mind with the actions of their hands. 

Recently, I found some good games on play.org for my 5-year old. Play.org has plenty of options to pick from. And the best part is it is a free browser-based online game.

Before I introduced it to my son, I explored a few of the games. Since he is into Kindergarten, I picked a few games and played with him. After school, if he is not in a mood to study, now I have another option to keep the learning going. Few of our favorites are Tom & Jerry Parade Pranks, Hero Elementary Push Pull Puzzle, and Daniel Tiger’s Barnyard Match Games. I am yet to try the other games.

Let’s talk about the other side of the coin. Disadvantages of online games:

1. Cyber safety:

Cyber safety has become a significant concern these days. Internet is an open place where you can access a vast amount of information. In addition, kids may download games from less reputed sites. Sometimes players need to enter their personal information, which can be a problem. 

2. Addiction and health concerns:

This is another area of concern. Online games are very addictive. Kids don’t realize how much time they have spent. Kids staying in one position with fewer physical movements can negatively affect their health.

3. Cost:

Sometimes, companies demonstrate the entire thing in a very fancy way that it is easy for kids to get carried away. Knowing your budget, parents should decide which plan to buy. 

Setting some strict rules:

• Secrecy – You can teach kids to keep their personal information a secret, especially not to share it on unknown sites.
• Teach your kid not to share this password with anyone to avoid cheating and getting hacked.
• Never give out their personal or real names online unless the website has a good reputation.
• Teach them some general etiquette like playing a fair game with fellow players.
• Never trust anyone whom you meet online. Never agree to meet them in person.
• Setting a time limit can be quickly done. By prioritizing work first, games would be able to lessen the time devoted to gaming.
• Most importantly, online gaming should be played only for fun, not for any accessing age-restricted activities.

Why parent’s involvement is essential?

Meaningful conversation: While I play the games mentioned above with my son, I ask him questions. I can also observe his expressions and see if he is enjoying them. 

For older kids, if parents join them occasionally, it sends a message that parents have an eye on their actions. 

Wrap up!

Even though gaming has some drawbacks, parents can still protect their kids from becoming victims of online attacks. Since it can still be handy for kids, parents should avoid banning their kids entirely from playing games online. By setting the rules, it will be a win-win situation. Ultimately, pay attention to how they feel during and after they play. Make adjustments based on your observations.