Many parents feel as if video games are controlling their children’s lives and that their kids are addicted to technology. But when it comes to video games: do they hurt or help? Can there be a positive effect? Educational Connections’ President, Ann Dolin, recently appeared on WTOP to discuss what the research says about video games and their impact on students and academics. Click here to listen to Ann’s full interview.
Video Games: How Much Time is Too Much?
Kids love video games! But a new research study out of Oxford University found that students who play video games for more than three hours a day are more likely to be hyperactive, aggressive, and disinterested in school. However, the study also found that there are actually some benefits when students play an hour or less of video games per day.
What Are the Positive Effects of Video Games?
The study out of Oxford found that when children play a team-based game with a competitive element, they are more likely to get along with their peers. Alternatively, children who play solitary games were more likely to perform better in school and display fewer overall emotional problems.
Another study from Brown University found that whether kids play alone or with others, they develop stronger visual processing skills. When kids are very young this can be seen in their ability to put together puzzles or build with building blocks. As they get older visual processing skills become evident in math subjects, especially Geometry.
Does the Content of the Video Games Matter?
Interestingly, the Oxford study found no correlation between the type of game being played (whether it’s Grand Theft Auto or Mario Kart) and negative behavior. What the researchers found was that when it comes to aggressive behaviors and video games, it really boils down to how much time the child is spending in front of the screen. Three hours is the tipping point and anything beyond that is where we see major problems.
What Can Parents Do to Reduce Screen Time?
As a parent, it’s definitely important to manage the amount of screen time your child is getting. As the research shows, video games are okay, but only in moderation. Screen time rules extend to phones, computers, and tablets too. If you find that your child’s use of technology is excessive, sit down and have a heart-to-heart discussion with him.
Start this conversation by expressing your concerns. You can say something such as, “I’m not sure if video games have a place in the home.” Then you’ll want to give specific examples as to why you are concerned. “Recently, your grades have dropped from As and Bs to Cs and Ds, and you haven’t been getting your homework completed. Let’s agree on a compromise.” A compromise might be something like, “If you complete your homework by 7:00 pm, you can play video games for an hour. If you do not, you will lose privileges for the next day. If this continues to be a problem, then video games will not be allowed during the week.” This puts the ball in your child’s court and allows them to be responsible for their behavior.
To read more about technology and learning check out our blog posts “Are Kids Too Wired to Technology? The American Academy of Pediatrics Thinks So,” and “Six Top Apps for Students to Study and Manage Time,” or listen to Ann’s full WTOP appearance.
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