2018May30

Are video games benefiting them?


Playing video games could have some advantages when

  1. it is done in moderation, which means that it doesn’t interfere with other developmental activities,
  2. if the games are age appropriate, and
  3. if it is something that is a fit for your child’s personality. Some children get upset by violent games and should then not be allowed to play them.

Possible advantages

  • It can spark their interest in topics like history or a specific country.
  • Promotes fast decision making.
  • Some consider it to be effective eye movement exercises which can improve a “lazy” eye.
  • It can help some kids relax.
  • It could improve their attention span.
  • It could distract them when they are ill or injured.
  • It could improve hand-eye co-ordination. Read more about fine motor skills development.
  • Becoming part of a gaming community could help them make friends with the same interests.
  • For more possible benefits go to Mentalfloss and Ocmodshop. 

How to make sure the games your child play is suitable
Parents have the responsibility to research the games their kids play and make sure that it’s a good fit. GameHub is an app where you can search for any type of video game to get a simple description of the game. Start researching!  

 http://gamehubhq.com/ 

 Do you know which video games your child is playing?
You might want to read more about how exergaming can improve your child's health.

Marinda Botha

Educational Psychologist

I started teaching in 2004 while still studying. After completing my Education degree at the University of Johannesburg in 2006, I took a special interest in psychology. I went on to complete my Honours and Masters degree at the University of Pretoria and qualified as an Educational Psychologist in 2009. I remained in the schooling system with my role changing from educator to school psychologist where I got the opportunity to address a lot of the issues I saw in the classroom on an individual basis. In addition, I also entered private practice and qualified as a BabyGym instructor in 2009. My focus was on developmental classes with moms and their babies, the prevention of learning difficulties, learning difficulties, emotional difficulties, career guidance, accommodations/concessions and school readiness. I especially enjoyed giving parents guidance as I felt that the parent’s role in the intervention process was crucial for success. The fact that parents often felt left in the dark with regards to their children’s therapy or the education system, sparked this interest on even further. Demystifying educational and developmental issues one parent at a time was very satisfying, doing it on a platform that could potentially reach millions of parents by writing about these topics is exhilarating.

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