Why Computer Games Might Actually Be Good For Your Kids
Parents, are you sitting down? We have some news that might make you rethink everything you know about gaming. How many hours a week do you spend asking your kids to turn off their computer games? Unfortunately for you and fortunately for your kiddos, we have some research that shows computer games really ain’t that bad.
Of course, the advantages offered by safe online games exist only in moderation. We wouldn’t recommend for your kid to stay online for extended hours playing Wizard games or building imaginary cities, but it turns out playing a moderate amount of computer games a day can actually benefit your child long-term.
From Clare Bloomfield at FreeDigitalPhotos.net
Why Play Computer Games?
There are a lot of cool advantages to playing computer games (especially our games). Here are some of the most touted benefits:
- Kid-safe online games can teach children how to be leaders; in fact, many MMORPG games make players take turns in leadership roles to gain experience. Kids are able to express their competitive urges in a safe environment.
- Computer games show kids how to be on a team and share responsibilities. While playing computer games with other children, they have to compromise and work together toward a greater goal.
- Research shows that kids who frequently play action games make decisions up to 25 percent faster, while still being accurate.
- Problem-solving is easier for gamers because certain games involve planning, negotiating, and working diligently in order to advance to the next level.
- Computer and video games have been known to promote creativity. Gamers score higher on tests measuring right-brain thinking.
- Computer games better hand-eye coordination, both while playing and in the real world, thanks to the use of a controller or a mouse.
- Most importantly, gaming allows your children to improve their social skills in a monitored environment with players from all over the world.
One of the biggest issues parents have with some computer games is violence and how seeing this could potentially make their children act out. According to a study by the University of Gothenburg, some games with violence can actually be helpful for learning cause-and-effect relationships. The fact that these games penalize hotheads while rewarding those who can keep their cool serves as an example of why to avoid bad behavior.
Image courtesy of Ambro at FreeDigitalPhotos.net
How Much Screen Time is Too Much?
Though several studies have shown the benefits of safe online gaming for kids, these advantages can quickly disappear if children play too much.
The best practice for letting your kids indulge in online gaming is getting involved and being in the know about what your kids are playing and who they are playing with. If a game has content that you are uncomfortable with, say no. A successful relationship with your family and online gaming is one built on communication. These gaming benefits can work for both you and your child. As a parent, that’s a pretty good arrangement!
KingsIsle Blog 
Good wisdom and advice. Moderation is a good thing, along with playing Wizard & Pirate101 😀
Finally someone said it! Ever since I played Wizard101 (I started at 8 years old, now 13), I became somewhat smarter academically.
My 4-year-old was substantially motivated to read in order to learn how to play games. And she taught me how to play better which showed me she was retaining the information well.
My 4-year old taught me how to play the game and walked me through the levels. Also my daughter who is 6 plays with me too. We have sinking parties on pirate101.
Wizard101 actually taught me how to type really fast at the age of 9, do you know how many kids at that age have to look at the keyboard and take 10 seconds to find one letter? I just think it’s amazing and my parents do too.
same! i used to do that! It is good keyboarding skills
at age 10 i feel i type as fast as school teachers.
Wizard101 actually taught me how to type fast without looking at the keyboard when i was only nine years old, do you know how many kids have to look at the keyboard and take 10 seconds to find a letter at that age? I can just say a lot.
i was playing this from 11years and now i am 19 year
I agree, P101 and W101 have helped me in a lot of things academically 🙂
I agree Thank you for all your hard work KingsIsle
My father needs to read this……
When I first started playing Wizard101, my English pronunciation got surprisingly better because English is not my first language. Not to mention the new words that I’ve learned too. I see that another HUGE benefit for gamers too. Thank you very much Kingsisle! 😀
I have to say this GAMES FOR THE WIN!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Wizard101 and Pirate101 have helped me tremendously! I started playing when I was seven and now I’m almost twelve. I agree with everything in this blog post!
That is a big relief on my part and brother.
There are many disadvantages to computer games, as well. The 7th benefit is true, but it can also be disclaimed. Overall, though, I’d say that this is pretty accurate info.
You left out a few important points…one, Wizard and Pirate both help kids with their math skills…adding up points for a successful hit or to have enough energy to feed plants or train companions…also, family units can play together…this helps join families together for some quality time…and lastly, it helps with attitudes…yes, attitudes…Parents are realizing that by promising a ‘card’ or extended membership for good behavior…kids are responding better and getting their chores done and even doing extra to earn extra! I am a 48 year old ‘kid’, who loves the games…my Mother…who is 70 plus loves them as well and we often play together though we live miles apart…we get to talk and laugh and play again…you call these worlds, ‘computer games’…I call them, Blessings.