Recently, video games have become a more controversial topic, as more people question its effects on the minds of our younger generations. Parents are often concerned that their children are spending too much time on video games and not enough time on work or sports. There is a general stigma around video games that they are harmful to mental health, particularly for teenagers. However, not all video games are "bad" for kids, which is why it is crucial to understand the potential effects that video games can have on mental health and how to prevent them.
There is a valid concern that screens, in general, can be harmful to both mental and physical health due to the blue light they emit. Studies have shown that too much exposure to blue light can cause headaches and sleep disruption. A lesser quality of sleep or even less sleep can deprive teens from the rest that they need to grow and develop, making it imperative for video games to be played in moderation. Scientific research has also shown that excessive use of screens can lead to depression and anxiety. Video games can overstimulate the brain, which can cause an imbalance within the body's dopamine production. When kids rely on video games as their sole source of fun, the brain tends to gain less pleasure from more boring activities, which can prevent them from wanting to go outside or do other things. Thus, it is vital to limit screen time and take breaks regularly, especially if it is getting in the way of work. Additionally, parents should consider the types of video games that their children are playing and set time limits to prevent excessive use. Violent games are becoming more accesible to younger audiences and are becoming more normalized, which can greatly impact the way children develop. If kids are exposed to guns and fighting games from an early age, it can desensitize them from violence, possibly resulting in more aggressive behavior.
Diving deeper into video games' effects on the brain's stimulation, certain games can cause jitteriness and ADHD-like symptoms due to their revving gameplay. However, not all games are the same, which is why parents should consider the type of game their child is playing and set limits to their screen time. Scientific research suggests that children from the age range of 6 to 12 should play video games for no more than two hours a day.
On the other hand, video games can be beneficial to mental health and in fact help kids grow. Studies have shown that certain games can provide stimulation and engagement that can improve cognitive function. Additionally, some games can be a source of socialization and teamwork, when played with friends. For example, Fortnite, a recently popular and controversial battle royal video game includes a squad option where players can team up and fight other teams. By having users play and work together in order to survive and win, the game helps teach kids how to share resources and communicate efficiently. The community aspect of certain games can also create a sense of belonging and improve mental health, which can allow more introverted children to socialize. Finally, certain games can promote physical activity, such as sports games or dance games that can encourage kids to take an interest in sports.
In a recent study conducted by the University of Vermont, Burlington, the results suggested that kids who play video games have higher cognitive ability than kids who do not. The study divided nearly 2,000 nine or ten year old participants into two groups: those who reported playing no video games and those who played video games for three or more hours per day, which exceeds the American Academy of Pediatrics screen time guidelines.
The researchers evaluated the cognitive performance and brain activity of both groups while performing tasks related to impulse control and memory. The results showed that the children who played video games had higher brain activity in the brain's regions associated with attention and memory, suggesting that playing video games can improve cognitive function. The study also found that the children who played video games showed less brain activity in the regions related to vision, which could mean that video games may make the visual processing area of the brain more efficient.
While these results suggest that video games can have a highly positive impact on cognitive function and brain activity in children, it is important to note that moderation is key. As a benchmark, the American Academy of Pediatrics recommends for older children to have a screen time limit of two hours per day, as excessive use of video games and screens can lead to negative effects on mental health.
In conclusion, video games can be beneficial or harmful to mental health, depending on the type of game and the amount of time spent playing. Parents should take caution and limit screen time appropriately, as most kids will not have the same response to video games. Overall, it is essential to find a balance between playing video games and engaging in other activities to promote overall mental health. With the correct approach, video games can be enjoyable and beneficial for teenagers and kids.
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