Advice on how video games can make children smarter
Although games are a form of entertainment, with parents’ support and guidance video gaming benefits by helping them children develop their creativity, nurture relationships with friends and improve strategic thinking.
It can also help young players build perseverance to achieve goals, build resilience and improve their communications skills, especially in online multiplayer video games.
Here is a list of gaming benefits proven to support young players:
Learning and development benefits
A great source to develop early learning skills for younger children
Studies show that certain games benefit younger children by helping them improve early reading skills with the support of parents and teachers. Games like ‘Times Table Rock Stars‘ that is used in primary schools and pre-school apps like ‘Endless Alphabet‘ can be great tools to help children learn in a more engaging way. Also, with the growth of connected toys, children can experience physical play while playing on devices. Educational toys like Osmo combines tactile play pieces with a device’s camera to bring to the in-play action to life.
Enhances memory, brain’s speed and concentration
Games that are immersive and require strategy and problem-solving skills to win require players to remember and take in a lot of information. Regularly playing these types of games can help improve young players’ short and long-term memory. They may also the brain process information quicker. Furthermore, video games capture players’ imagination, helping them to stay focused on certain tasks, building their perseverance to achieve a goal.
Improved multi-tasking skills
Games that require players to find items while fighting off other opponents call for attention to detail and quick reactions. Studies have shown that this type of gaming benefits young players by helping them develop their multi-tasking skills.
Build skills for future careers
The more complex online multiplayer games help teach players how to be strategic and analytical to assess risk and reward. These games call for young players to react quickly to changes in the game. This type of gaming benefits children because the skills can be transferable to real-world jobs that rely on problem-solving, analytical skills and strategic thinking.
Offer a new way to understand culture and perspectives
As games allow children to immerse themselves in virtual worlds and, at times, connect to people from around the world, it can be a great way for them to learn about different perspectives and cultures.
Physical and social benefits
Group play provides social benefits
Whether children are playing online multiplayer games with friends or using family-friendly apps like ‘Heads Up’ with the family in the living room, these types of games can help nurture relationships through shared moments. They also improve children’s social skills. For children who may have disabilities, it can also be a way for them to make friendships they may struggle to create offline and contribute to overall child development.
Family-friendly gaming
Best connected toys, games and apps for the whole family to share
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Promotes teamwork and builds confidence
Online multiplayer gaming benefits young players by allowing them to take on a number of roles such as managing teams or working with others to win. The shared experience can be a great way to collaborate and learn from each other to build children’s confidence.
Provides a fun way to stay active
The success of games like Pokemon GO and Just Dance are an example of how gaming benefits children by motivating them to stay active while gaming. Also, the rise of mobile gaming apps means that children can now game on the go. See ourlist of active apps that can help your child stay active while gaming.
Helps to develop mindfulness
There are a number of games and apps developed to help children manage their emotions and encourage kind behaviour, compassion and empathy. See our list of wellbeing apps to learn more.
Provides a safe space to talk about fears
Sometimes it can be easier to talk about worries in a virtual context, and gaming may benefit children by providing a safe place for children to express themselves.
A new way to experience stories
Immersive games can help children experience stories in a different and engaged way. The way the story is told can spark creative skills and make the topics more memorable. Online safety games like Digital Matters can help children learn and practise important skills through storytelling.
Creates meaningful ways to learn topics
Schools now use game-based learning more often to help students understand and think about complex topics. These may help children build math skills or get to grips with concepts in science. Gamifying learning and allowing children to see things in a different way can encourage them to grasp topics faster and in a more meaningful way.
This video from BBC Own it shows a young teen explaining his love for gaming
Gaming benefits children in many ways. Playing is a fun and sociable way to spend time that encourages teamwork and skill development, which are all good things. However, there are a few things you need to be aware of:
- Some games let children play and chat with anyone in the world. This means they might come across offensive language and bullying
- Not everyone online is who they say they are. Children should avoid giving out personal details that could identify them or their location
- Some games encourage players to buy extra elements during the game – children have been known to run up large bills without realising it
- In extreme cases, a form of bullying called ‘griefing’can be used as a tactic to win games. Children may find themselves either bullying or being bullied
- Get involved by finding out what type of games your child enjoys and making sure they’re appropriate for their age
- It can be hard to stop some games in the middle of a battle as there are penalties for quitting. Give your child time warnings so they know when they need to stop playing and can plan for it.
It's immersive
Offers the opportunity to explore, build new worlds and take on new personas that aren’t possible in the real world.
It’s open ended
Video games offer worlds to explore that don’t dictate types of behaviour or where to go. Young players enjoy this freedom as an extension of the playground.
It’s ongoing
Games offer an experience that can extend over a long period. Like a bed time story, regularly visiting a game and progressing the story is both comforting and compelling.
It's social
Online multiplayer video gaming benefits include connecting with people from all around the world, getting real-time feedback on how well you are playing, improving teamwork skills and building relationships with friends. Additionally, it creates a family friendly space where you can have positive online experiences together.
It offers rewards
Depending on the games they play, players can get rewards such as tokens, in-game currency, virtual trophies and more as they move through the games and complete different levels.
It's competitive
The rise of esports and games like Fortnite and Rocket League allow children to compete against each other to gain notoriety by winning. Some people even pursue esports as a way to earn money.
