The Good and Bad of Screen Time Gaming: A Balanced View

What are the pro and cons for gaming on screen? find out the dangers but also the development of gaming

Benefits of Gaming:

  • Cognitive Skills: Studies have shown that certain types of games can improve cognitive skills like quick thinking, problem-solving, strategic planning, and decision-making.

  • Social and Emotional Learning: Multiplayer games can foster teamwork, communication, and collaboration skills. Some games can also help with emotional regulation and empathy.

  • Motor Skills: Action and rhythm games can improve hand-eye coordination and fine motor skills.

  • Learning and Education: Educational games can be engaging tools for learning new information and concepts in various subjects, especially for visual learners.

  • Mental Wellbeing: Some studies suggest that gaming can provide relaxation and stress relief, particularly for individuals with anxiety or depression.

Resources and Studies:

Dangers of Excessive Gaming:

  • Addiction: Excessive gaming can lead to gaming disorder, a mental health condition characterized by a loss of control over gameplay and negative impacts on daily life.

  • Academic Performance: Excessive gaming can negatively impact academic performance due to decreased focus and time spent on studies.

  • Socialisation: Excessive gaming can lead to social isolation and difficulties with real-world social interaction.

  • Physical Health: Excessive gaming can lead to sedentary lifestyles, obesity, and sleep problems.

  • Mental Health: Excessive gaming can be associated with increased anxiety, depression, and aggression.

Resources and Studies:

Games and Risks:

  • Genre matters: Different game genres pose different risks. Violent and competitive games may have greater potential for addiction and aggression, while educational and collaborative games may offer more benefits.

  • Content matters: Age-appropriate content is crucial. Games with mature themes or excessive violence should be avoided by younger players.

  • Time matters: Moderation is key. Limiting screen time and prioritising other activities like physical activity, social interaction, and sleep is essential for overall well-being.

Additional Points:

  • Individual differences: People differ in their susceptibility to gaming addiction and its effects. Some individuals may be more vulnerable than others.

  • Family involvement: Parents and caregivers can play a crucial role in setting boundaries, monitoring gameplay, and encouraging healthy gaming habits.

  • Seeking professional help: If gaming is causing significant problems in daily life, seeking professional help is recommended.

Conclusion:

Gaming can offer both benefits and drawbacks. It's essential to approach it with a balanced perspective, prioritising moderation and responsible gameplay. By understanding the potential risks and benefits, individuals can make informed choices about their gaming habits and ensure a healthy relationship with this form of entertainment.

Remember:

  • The "2 hours a day max screen time" recommendation is a general guideline, and individual needs may vary.

  • The quality of the gaming experience and the content of the games matter significantly.

  • Combining gaming with other activities and maintaining a healthy lifestyle is crucial for overall well-being.

We hope this information helps!

Games for Different Aspects of Well-Being:

Cognitive Skills:

  • Quick thinking and decision-making:

    • Real-time strategy games: StarCraft, Age of Empires, League of Legends

    • Puzzle games: Tetris, Sudoku, Portal

    • Action games: Overwatch, Call of Duty, Doom Eternal

  • Problem-solving and strategic planning:

    • Turn-based strategy games: XCOM, Civilization, Into the Breach

    • Resource management games: Stardew Valley, Banished, Frostpunk

    • Open world exploration games: The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild, Elden Ring, Outer Wilds

  • Memory and attention:

    • Hidden object games: Where's Waldo?, I Spy, Sherlock Holmes series

    • Match-3 games: Candy Crush Saga, Bejeweled, Tetris Effect

    • Brain training games: Lumosity, Elevate, Peak

Learning and Education:

  • Language and literacy:

    • Duolingo, Memrise, Babbel

    • Reading comprehension games: Lexica, Reading Rainbow, Squiggle Park

    • Word games: Scrabble, Bananagrams, Boggle

  • History and science:

    • Assassin's Creed series, Civilization VI, Plague Inc.

    • Kerbal Space Program, Jurassic Park Evolution, Planet Zoo

    • Educational apps for specific subjects (math, chemistry, biology, etc.)

  • Coding and programming:

    • Scratch, CodeCombat, Minecraft Education Edition

    • Python, Java, C# learning games and platforms

Mental Wellbeing:

  • Relaxation and stress relief:

    • Simulation games: Stardew Valley, Animal Crossing: New Horizons, Sims series

    • Puzzle and meditative games: Lumines Remastered, Gris, Abzu

    • Creative and sandbox games: Minecraft, Terraria, No Man's Sky

  • Social connection and community:

    • Online multiplayer games: Minecraft, Overwatch, Rocket League

    • Cooperative games: Overcooked 2, It Takes Two, A Way Out

    • Virtual reality games: Beat Saber, Tetris Effect, Rec Room

Additional considerations:

  • Age-appropriateness: Choose games that are suitable for the player's age and maturity level.

  • Genre preference: Consider the player's interests and preferred game genres.

  • Moderation: Enjoy games in moderation and prioritize other aspects of life like physical activity and social interaction.

I hope this list provides a good starting point for exploring games that can benefit different aspects of an individual's well-being. Remember, the best game is one that the player finds engaging and enjoyable!

Rethinking Screen Time: Learn more by clicking here