video gaming and mental wellness
A lot has been said about the adverse effects of video games on mental health. However, video gaming is not inherently bad. Casual gaming can have a positive impact on your child's mental well-being. Video games come in many shapes and forms including role-playing, puzzles, racing, strategy games, and much more. Some games can be calming and relaxed, which can help after a busy or stressful day. Other games integrate challenge and competition.
Some of the positive effects of video gaming include:
How to Support Your Child
When it comes to supporting your child's mental well-being there are ways to ensure that playing video games remains a positive experience. Communication and trust can go a long way! Go over ground rules such as: time spent, conditions to play, and identifying appropriate content. Keep up-to-date on the types of the games your children are playing. Make sure that the games they are playing are recommended for their age and that you are comfortable with them.
Lastly, play with them! Video games can be for anyone and present a great opportunity to have some fun and connect with your child! Justin Chu, Psy.D.
Some of the positive effects of video gaming include:
- Cognition - Video games can help improve cognitive skills including selective attention, problem-solving, and visual-spatial processing. Depending on the game's complexity, players may have to strategize and use higher level thinking skills.
- Emotion - Video games can elicit positive emotions as players overcome obstacles, see the benefits of practice, and make new achievements. They also can act as a distraction from psychological trauma or painful feelings.
- Connection - Players can connect with friends, meet new ones, and feel a sense of belonging as part of a community. Multi-player and online games create an opportunity to develop friendships and encourage teamwork.
- Outlet - Video games can serve as creative outlets while encouraging exploration and self-expression.
How to Support Your Child
When it comes to supporting your child's mental well-being there are ways to ensure that playing video games remains a positive experience. Communication and trust can go a long way! Go over ground rules such as: time spent, conditions to play, and identifying appropriate content. Keep up-to-date on the types of the games your children are playing. Make sure that the games they are playing are recommended for their age and that you are comfortable with them.
Lastly, play with them! Video games can be for anyone and present a great opportunity to have some fun and connect with your child! Justin Chu, Psy.D.