Video games are a source of entertainment, problem solving, stress relief, and cognitive skills development for kids. But do you know are video games good or bad for kids? However, addiction to video games for kids brings challenges like poor academic performance, lack of physical activity, and over-dependence.
To balance the benefits and the disadvantages of playing video games, you need to understand its impact on children. At the end of this piece, you will understand the impact of video games on kids and how you can manage your kids efficiently.
The benefits of kids playing video games
Video games can either make or break a child, depending on the type of game and how often it’s used.
While most people only see the negative impacts of video games, there’s a bright side to it that most people haven’t discovered. Are video games good for kids?
1. Improves problem-solving ability
Puzzle thinking games like Monument Valley help kids develop critical thinking, pattern recognition, and logical reasoning.
Such games provide challenging situations that need good planning and effective resource management.
This is great for kids to understand some of the problems they can face later in life and how they can solve them without a meltdown.
2. Stress relief
Many video games have great storylines and missions which can help kids take their minds off the challenges that they are setting.
With a great way to relieve stress, kids can strategize how to tackle a certain problem, making them more efficient when they try again later.
Video games can also help kids overcome stress that comes with loneliness as it provides a platform for collaborating with friends during missions.
3. Develops perseverance
If there’s one thing that most kids lack, it’s perseverance when things aren’t going their way or when they have to wait for something.
Fortunately, video games solve this problem as they give kids challenges that require their perseverance for them to benefit in the end.
Video games have many progression points and table ranking, which makes kids commit to a specific goal until the final day.
Pay attention to controlling the game time
The best video games for kids – mostly free
Not all video games are ideal for kids of different age groups. As such, you must identify the right video games that fit and add value to kids.
The list below will help you know which video game is best suited for a kid of a certain age. Whether a toddler or a teen, these video games mostly for free will bring the best out of your kid.
Video games for toddlers(Ages 2-5)
There are specific games designed only for toddlers 2-5 year olds. However, parents should ensure that the games for toddlers between these age ranges are simple and visually appealing.
1. PBS Kids Games
PBS Kids is the right game for toddlers between the age of 2-5 year olds, as it focuses on interactive puzzles, colorful art, and memory challenges.
Thai games help toddlers develop cognitive skills like basic problem-solving, counting, and colors. It’s an easy game for toddlers to play and is completely free, making it convenient.
- Type: educational mini-games
- Basic gameplay: puzzles, memory games, and art.
- Cost: free.
- Good effects for kids: builds cognitive skills.
2. Toca Boca Series
Another quality game is the Toca Boca Series which is made to help kids with imaginative thinking and boost their creativity.
In singles like Toca Doctor, and Toca Kitchen, there are different engagements like cooking and medical puzzles which kids can use for fun and learning.
- Type: open-ended play
- Basic gameplay: cooking, health, and puzzles.
- Cost: free with in-app purchases.
- Good effects for kids: enhances health and nutrition.
3. Endless Alphabet
If you’re looking for a good word game that will enhance your kid’s language skills, then Endless Alphabet has you covered.
With letter recognition and language skills theme, toddlers can learn how to form words with different combinations and still have fun.
- Type: educational word game
- Basic gameplay: focuses on letters and animations.
- Cost: paid.
- Good effects for kids: language and letter recognition.
4. Lego Duplo World
Lego Duplo World is a great video game where kids can engage in block-building tasks and learn fine motor skills.
The game also helps in spatial awareness and hand-eye coordination which is important for kids’ development.
- Type: construction and exploration game
- Basic gameplay: build objects and solve challenges.
- Cost: free (optional paid content)
- Good effects for kids: Fine motor skills and spatial awareness.
Fisher-Price learning games
Fisher Price Learning Games is the best option for parents searching for games that help kids with concepts like letters, numbers, and shapes.
The game is more interactive as it uses rhymes, matches, and songs to help kids memorize the content while having fun.
- Type: interactive learning games
- Basic gameplay: uses songs, rhymes, and matching.
- Cost: free
- Good effects for kids: teaches numbers, letters, and shapes.
Video games for young children (Ages 5-7)
Children between the ages of 5-7 year olds need more challenging games than toddlers. The games should also be fun and engaging for kids to react positively and learn in the process.
Animal Crossing: Pocket Camp
Pocket camp is the perfect game to teach your kids about resource management, responsibility, and social interaction.
The game gives kids their compounds to manage through decorating and completing tasks like crafting and fishing.
- Type: life simulation
- Basic gameplay: decorate campsites and complete tasks.
- Cost: free with in-app purchases.
- Good effects for kids: encourages resource management.
Mario Kart Tour
Parents who want their kids to develop a competitive nature should try games like Mario Kart which is a super racing game.
While the game helps encourage a competitive nature, it also helps the kid make better decisions and be alert.
- Type: racing game
- Basic gameplay: racing and collecting power-ups.
- Cost: free with optional paid content.
- Good effects for kids: Improves decision-making skills.
Minecraft Education Edition
Minecraft is the best game for parents to teach their kids the importance of teamwork, critical thinking, and an entrepreneurial mindset.
It involves building structures, completing challenges and solving puzzles which makes it educational and entertaining at the same time.
- Type: creative Sandbox
- Basic gameplay: Create structures and solve puzzles.
- Cost: subscription-based.
- Good effects for kids: Enhances creativity, teamwork, and critical thinking.
Dr. Panda Town
Dr. Panda Town is one of the few games that helps kids try out situations of real life businesses like running a shop.
While it’s a game that encourages creativity and social skills, it also helps kids create their own reality and make the best out of it.
- Type: role-playing and exploration
- Basic gameplay: create stories and interact.
- Cost: free with in-app purchases.
- Good effects for kids: Storytelling and social skills.
LEGO Star Wars Battles
LEGO Star Wars is a game that encourages kids to take definitive action and develop strategies for whatever they pursue in life.
It’s about being ready and preparing a quality defense system that will help you in times of need. It’s a game that encourages logical thinking and the right execution of strategy.
- Type: strategy and action game
- Basic gameplay: Build structures and win battles.
- Cost: free with in-app purchases.
- Good effects for kids: logical thinking and strategic planning.
Video games for tweens (Ages 7-12)
When you’re dealing with kids between 7-12 year olds, your primary focus should be on collaboration.
Roblox
Roblox is a great game if you want your kids to learn role-playing, creativity, and solving puzzles while sharing with friends.
While its main idea is for coding and designing, it also promotes teamwork and collaboration, which helps solve problems faster.
- Type: multiplayer
- Basic gameplay: solve puzzles and role-playing.
- Cost: free with optional paid content.
- Good effects for kids: creativity, collaboration, and coding.
Plants Vs. Zombies
The main theme of this game, Plants, is learning how to protect your home against zombies. This game instills discipline and the ability to think critically about your actions.
- Type: tower defense strategy
- Basic gameplay: Zombies combat waves.
- Cost: free with in-app purchases.
- Good effects for kids: Critical thinking and resource management.
Terraria
If you’re looking for an adventurous game, Terraria is right for your kid. The game involves combat, crafting, building structures, and gathering resources.
- Type: Adventure and sandbox
- Basic Gameplay: Gather resources, craft items, and defeat enemies.
- Cost: Paid.
- Good effects for kids: Problem-solving and creativity.
Super Mario Maker 2
Super Mario is a collaborative game that helps kids to be competitive. It helps in engineering skills which is great for collaboration and sharing of ideas.
- Type: platformer and game creation
- Basic gameplay: Build and share custom levels.
- Cost: paid.
- Good effects for kids: engineering skills.
Rocket League
If you want a thrilling game that combines racing and sports then Rocket League is the game to go for. The game involves teamwork and strategic play which makes it valuable and fun.
- Type: sports and racing
- Basic gameplay: score goals while driving.
- Cost: free with in-app purchases.
- Good effects for kids: oromotes teamwork, reflexes, and strategic play.
Video games for Teens (Ages 13+)
Teens can manage just about any game, but it has to have high graphics and be more engaging.
Fortnite
Fortnite is a combat game that combines strategies for one to succeed. The game lets players play solo or in groups depending on your preference.
- Type: battle royale
- Basic gameplay: combines strategy, building, and combat.
- Cost: free with in-game purchases.
- Good effects for kids: strategic thinking.
The Sims 4
The Sims 4 is the best life game, which helps players manage characters, build homes, and create stories.
- Type: life simulation
- Basic gameplay: Build homes, and create stories.
- Cost: free.
- Good effects for kids: Resource management and planning.
Overwatch 2
Overwatch 2 is an ideal game if you want collaboration and effective strategies. The game provides heroes with abilities that give people great responsibility.
- Type: team-based shooter
- Basic gameplay: collaborate with teammates.
- Cost: free with optional purchases.
- Good effects: Teamwork and reflexes.
Horizon Zero Dawn
This game is mainly rooted in combats, puzzles, and robotic experiences. This game enhances storytelling skills which most people lack.
- Type: action-adventure
- Basic gameplay: missions and puzzles.
- Cost: paid.
- Good effects for kids: storytelling skills.
Among Us
Among Us requires observation and critical thinking, essential in completing most missions. The game requires you to identify the imposters.
- Type: social deduction game
- Basic gameplay: Involves teamwork, observation, and critical thinking.
- Cost: free with optional in-app purchases.
- Good effects for kids: teamwork and deduction skills.
Note: All the games mentioned should be used explicitly for the proposed age groups. This will help you see the positive impact it has on your kids.
Warning: The harm of video games to kids
While video games have some positive impacts, like creativity and enhancing problem-solving ability, they can also cause harm to children.
Parents need to know the possible dangers of kids overusing video games to see how they can create the right balance.
Violence
When kids are so much into video games like Mortal Kombat, they can often resort to violent behaviors that they see when playing.
Kids have a hard time distinguishing fantasy from reality, and as a result, they don’t know that certain actions should not be implemented in the real world.
Most people, especially kids, when exposed to violent games or actions, often become immune or numb to them.
This makes them not realize the implications of their actions at an early stage and end up becoming violent in the future.
Poor academic performance
There is an overwhelming number of students who perform poorly, which is attributed to the overuse of gaming devices.
Most kids, when left without supervision, spend little to no time on their academic work, which leads to poor performances.
According to the National Institute of Health, 62.7% of students spend 30 hours a week on their video games. A staggering number that shows you why there’s a decline in academic performance.
Parents need to take back control and reduce the amount of time kids spend on video games to boost their academic performances.
Addiction
Gaming addiction is just as bad as other addictions because it leads to withdrawal symptoms, which are not good for kids’ general growth.
Addiction makes kids preoccupied with gaming and focus and lose interest in other hobbies and social activities.
This can lead to a lack of friends or the breaking of family bonds and connections since they’re only interested in gaming activities.
Tips and strategies for managing your kids’ gaming time
Managing your kids’ gaming time will be a battle, but you have to win to help improve their academic performances, social skills, and sleep.
Limit screen time
When you limit screen time, you’ll be able to control your kids’ gaming addiction and make them focus on other things.
Ensure that they can only have screen time for a certain time, after which they have to close or hand over their devices to you.
You can also be flexible and reward them with screen time when they complete their assignment, finish their chores, or have a productive day.
However, sleeping and study time is nonnegotiable since it greatly impacts their life and productivity.
Set parental controls
If limiting screen time doesn’t work as much as you’d want, you can use parental controls to help you manage your kids.
Parental controls give you access to your kid’s devices so that you know what they’re doing when you’re not around.
A good parental control will give you access to all the gaming apps they use and other gaming sites they visit, whether legal or illegal.
With this, you can control what they can or cannot do on their device.
Encourage other activities
Kids who are overly focused on gaming need to be introduced to other activities that are not tied to video games.
You can suggest a couple of things like hanging out with friends, going for debates, or engaging in sports activities.
There are many activities that you can suggest to your kid to do that don’t involve them gaming all day.
Limit gaming time with FlashGet Kids
FlashGet Kids is the best way to protect your kids from harmful content using their easy to use features.
Whether you want to limit your kids gaming time, block apps and sites, or filter content, FlashGet Kids has got you covered.
The app is easily accessible and has a simple setup process, which makes it one of the best parental controls in the market.
With features like screen time limit, you can set time restrictions that your kids cannot bypass. This helps them develop good gaming habits.
The app also provides you with your kid’s daily usage habits so that you know the apps they use, the sites they visit, and the amount of time they allocate to these activities.
Conclusion
Video games can make or break your kid, depending on how they use them. However, everything will be good with the right balance between gaming and other activities like chores and study.
All you need to do is reduce your kid’s focus on gaming and redirect them to other activities like camping or socializing with friends.
If you want more assistance in managing your kid’s gaming time, you can try FlashGet Kids, which is easy to access and has great restriction features.
With FlashGet Kids, you can set screen time limits, block apps, and receive reports on your device usage.
