With the rise of online learning and online classes since facing restrictions during Covid-19. The new way of staying connected with our loved ones for adults was through social media, and on the contrary, for children it was through digital gaming. Many Australian parents and guardians have found themselves concerned and worried about the amount of technology used by their children. According to the Australian eSafety Commissioner, 3 out of 5 Australian youth are involved in online multi-player gaming (eSafety Commissioner, 2018).
A study published by the scientific journal Nature, revealed that playing digital games releases dopamine. The amount of these upbeat neurotransmitters released whilst playing digital games has the same effect seen after the use of injectable stimulant drugs like amphetamine and methylphenidate (Koepp et al. 1998).
(Paturel, 2014)
The positives and negatives of children and youth video gaming is still debated today. Researchers found that in some games that are interactive and educational there can be positive effects on the brain (Blumberg et al. 2019). However, there is little evidence proposing that video gaming can improve cognitive abilities in youth (Pujol et al. 2016).
So what can parents do to promote learning while playing?
- Encourage digital games that are non-violent (Blumberg et al. 2019).
- Participate in gaming with your child and create conversation whilst doing so (Blumberg et al. 2019).
- Provide digital games that have relatable characters. This will allow your child to form a bond which can help them learn and develop better social skills (Blumberg et al. 2019).
While gaming does have some proven positive effects, there may be more research supporting the negative impact on children and youth. One study suggests that there is increased hyperactivity and inattention associated with gaming (Lobel et al. 2017). According to researchers, violent games and entertainment have a negative impact on child brain development (Blumberg et al. 2019). Another study suggests that although small amounts of gaming is associated with increased performance in visual motor skills - it is often paired with conduct problems (Pujol et al. 2016). Conduct disorder is diagnosis of children and youth that have continuous patterns of aggression that also violate rules and social norms – these violations may be as serious as breaking the law (U.S. Department of Health & Human Services 2022).
Taking early action is very important and parents need to recognise that games have a strong impact on children (Sălceanu 2014).
How can parents minimise the negative effects of gaming in children?
- Ensure to check the rating of the digital game your child is playing (Norcia & Jacquemet 2019).
- Supervise internet use and set limits on how long and often your child can game (Norcia & Jacquemet 2019).
- Make sure not to install gaming devices in the bedroom (Norcia & Jacquemet 2019).
- Create conversation and discuss the games and other media your child plays and watches (Norcia & Jacquemet 2019).
For more information on the effects of gaming on brain development, check out the video below:
References
Australian Government 2018, Youth and online gaming, eSafety Commissioner.
Blumberg, F, Deater‐Deckard, K, Calvert, S, Flynn, R, Green, C, Arnold, D & Brooks, P 2019, "Digital Games as a Context for Children's Cognitive Development: Research Recommendations and Policy Considerations", Social Policy Report, vol. 32, no. 1, pp. 1-33.
Koepp, M, Gunn, R, Lawrence, A, Cunningham, V, Dagher, A, Jones, T, Brooks, D, Bench, C & Grasby, P 1998, "Evidence for striatal dopamine release during a video game", Nature, vol. 393, no. 6682, pp. 266-268.
Lobel, A, Engels, R, Stone, L, Burk, W & Granic, I 2017, "Video Gaming and Children’s Psychosocial Wellbeing: A Longitudinal Study", Journal of Youth and Adolescence, vol. 46, no. 4, pp. 884-897.
Norcia, A & Jacquemet, J 2019, The Impact of Video Games | Sutter Health, viewed 31 May, 2022, <https://www.sutterhealth.org/health/parenting-preteens-teens/digital-safety/video-games>.
Paturel, A 2014, Game Theory: The Effects of Video Games on the Brain, viewed 31 May, 2022, <https://www.brainandlife.org/articles/how-do-video-games-affect-the-developing-brains-of-children>.
Pujol, J, Fenoll, R, Forns, J, Harrison, B, Martínez‐Vilavella, G, Macià, D, Alvarez‐Pedrerol, M, Blanco‐Hinojo, L, González‐Ortiz, S, Deus, J & Sunyer, J 2016, "Video gaming in school children: How much is enough?", Annals of Neurology, vol. 80, no. 3, pp. 424-433.
Sălceanu, C 2014, "The Influence of Computer Games on Children's Development. Exploratory Study on the Attitudes of Parents", Procedia - Social and Behavioral Sciences, vol. 149, pp. 837-841.
U.S. Department of Health & Human Services 2022, Behaviour or Conduct Problems in Children, Centers of Disease Control & Prevention.
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