Contrary to popular belief, online games can be beneficial for children. Most people, particularly parents, would beg to disagree. However, this is true as long as they don’t spend too much of their time playing video games. The market especially offers games that cater to the children. In the past, parents would disagree with the idea of having games made for their children. However, after a few studies were conducted on gaming and how it affects children, researchers concluded that online gaming also has its benefits, as long as the parents continue to limit their children’s gaming time. The benefits include honing of one’s social skills, more chances of doing well in school and better emotional intellect.
First, online games can raise a kid’s confidence and instill the importance of setting goals and accomplishing them. Take the game Zuma, for example. The player’s goal is to clear the boards needed to reach the end of the game. Through this game, the children will enjoy the reward of reaching their goals, which they will learn to apply to their lives eventually.
There are also a number of online games that lets children meet other children coming from different societies and parts of the world. Through this, they will learn how to interact and socialize with different kinds of people and cultures worldwide. This will be advantageous for their social growth and development, especially when they’re growing up in the real world. Playing multiplayer games will also teach them how to operate within a team and the importance of unity and teamwork.
There are also some "Logic" games found online. By playing these, children are able to hone their intellect, which will be beneficial when he grows up. The child will be able to develop his skills which include problem-solving, memory, math and computation skills, vocabulary, and so on. Some of these logic games are "4 Elements", "Super Text Twist", "Jewel Quest", "Turbo Pizza" and "7 Wonders".
A child can also develop his technological skills by playing online games. In these modern times, these skills are just as essential as computation skills. Computer and tech savvy people tend to get better jobs than those who aren’t. This kind of activity can greatly improve a child’s education and his career in the future.
Another set skill that is greatly enhanced by playing Internet games is one’s technology skills. Nowadays, these skills are as important as computation skills. Computer and Internet literacy have become a requirement to be able to get a decent job today. This type of activity can contribute to a child’s education and professional career.
Finally, there are online games that require the player to effectively multitask and learn the basics of micromanagement. Games like "Diner Dash" and "Virtual Villagers" require players to meet goals by keeping an eye on various aspects of the game that are in play at the same time. Success involves not only understanding when something needs to be done, but knowing how long that will take and factoring that into the handling of everything else.
While studies and anecdotal evidence have shown that online gaming and video games in general can have benefits, there will always be those who consider the industry to be pointless and worthless. Also, there are dangers associated with being on the Internet in general that children might become exposed to while gaming. Parents should take responsibility and keep an eye on the games their children play – the ratings system is there to inform parents, not do the parenting for them.
