How To Set Healthy Limits On Your Children’s Gaming Habits?
A survey conducted at the University of Michigan showed that 9 out of 10 parents say that teenagers spend way too much time playing video games. More and more parents are getting concerned with the fact that children are spending most of their time on video games.
Parents struggling with their kids’ gaming obsession should consult a child psychologist for professional help. health2delivery is one way to reach mental health experts 24/7. They can help parents cope with stress and implement effective strategies to improve their children’s gaming habits.
Dr. Emila Trukov, a developmental-behavioral pediatrician and researcher at Stanford University, says that video games may be a fun and entertaining way for some kids and their family but under proper supervision and limitations. However, playing games for too long is not advisable as it interferes with the essential aspects of a teenager’s life, including sleep, academics, health, and close relations.
Therefore, parents should set strict guidelines for their children. Having to follow a set of rules prevents kids from unnecessary gaming. Below are the top 4 tips for setting effective boundaries for your child’s gaming habits:
- Keep track of what your child plays
You should be aware of what kind of video games your child plays. Being a parent to a minor, it’s your right and responsibility to supervise your child’s activities.
It’s necessary to keep track of their browsing history as well. Ask them directly to show you their search history. Again, you’re not invading their privacy by doing so.
Find out what genre of games your child prefers. Many games contain adult content so search thoroughly before letting your kids buy one.
Many child psychologists advise parents to prevent their children from playing video games with extreme violence. According to Dr. David Wilson, a child psychologist in California, parents shouldn’t allow their kids to play violent games. Such games have been shown to decrease empathy and compassion in children. Instead, try to find non-violent versions of their favourite games. For example, if Minecraft is one of their favourites, then play the creative mode, not the survival mode.
2. Introduce your kids to better alternatives
Children love gaming because it requires little to no effort. They can play games virtually whenever they want, and it’s fun too. When your child doesn’t have enough activities, gaming is always there to fill up their time.
Therefore, it’s essential to suggest other recreational options to your kids, for example, sports, dance, musical instruments, painting, or playing with their pets. It’s even better to choose activities that you or other family members can play with your kids. These alternatives should occupy the time when your child plays video games the most, i.e., weekday evenings and on weekends.
Moreover, video games are carefully designed to be addictive to users. “They offer tokens, such as coins, hearts, diamonds, or an upgrade that feels like a reward and induces a feeling of accomplishment in the person.”Dr. Wildon says.
This situation of virtual rewards and positive feedback encourages children to play more and more, causing strain on their physical and mental wellbeing.
Therefore, offer your kids alternative activities with a similar theme to their favourite video games, for instance, martial arts, a coding camp, music lessons, cooking and baking classes, archery, or group sports.
3. Play video games together
Video games can sometimes be a way to bond with your kids. Play games with your children and ask them what they like and dislike about the game. This will help you to have an insight into your child’s mentality. You will learn what changes you need to make and how to implement them in a friendlier way.
Additionally, playing video games as a family allows you to monitor your kids’ gaming habits more closely. You know what they’re playing and who they’re interacting with. Dr. Trukov has also emphasised the benefits of engaging in technology with your children. She mentioned that she also practices the same method with her kids.
4. Limit their gaming sessions
Don’t let your child play video games all day. Allow them specific time slots when they can play video games. According to The American Academy of Pediatrics, the gaming time limit should be as follows:
- 30 – 60 minutes on school days
- 2 hours on non-school days
Children who are 6 years or less should have even lesser screen time daily. Parents should not allow their kids above 6 to play video games for more than an hour at a time. To help them with this, experts have created a ‘media planner’ which enables parents to manage their children’s screen time.
Dr. Trukov advises parents to keep the gaming systems or other related technology out of the bedrooms. She further encourages parents not to let their kids sit at the dinner table with their smart devices. Instead, only allow them to play video games after school work and chores.
Conclusion
Playing video games is not necessarily bad; excessive playing is. Your kids can enjoy gaming and have a productive and healthy lifestyle if you set rules and regulations in your home. Video games may also help parents bond with their kids in some scenarios. All you need is an effective media plan to manage your child’s daily screen time.
