The video game industry has long existed, but its popularity has only grown in recent years.
With new gaming consoles and games coming out all the time, it’s no wonder that video games are a billion-dollar industry.
They are a form of entertainment that controversies have always surrounded. Parents and educators have always been worried about the effects that video games have on the development of children and young adults.
It has led to a profound hatred from parents. There are several reasons why parents hate video games. This article will discuss them in detail.
Why Do Parents Hate Video Games?
There are many reasons why parents might hate video games. The most common one is that it’s seen as a waste of time. They believe that their children could be doing something more productive with their time, like reading, doing homework, or going outside.
Another reason why parents might hate video games is that they’re worried about the adverse effects they could have on their children.
Some parents believe that video games can make children violent or cause them to have poor academic performance.
Video games can be violent and graphic, and this should not be taken lightly, especially when kids are in their vital formative years.
What Are The Impacts Of Video Games?
According to research conducted by Concordia University Texas, there are several positives and negatives of video gaming.
Pros
It is well-known that video games can have adverse effects on people. However, recent research indicates that video games may also have positive effects.
Improves Basic Visual Processes
Recent studies have concluded that playing video games can improve basic visual processes, such as contrast sensitivity, motion perception, and focal resolution. These improvements can last even after the person stops playing the video game.
Playing action video games enhances the ability of participants to identify objects quickly and accurately.
The findings suggest that video games may be a valuable tool in improving vision and perceptual skills in people with deficits in these areas.
Can Improve Everyday Skills
Video games can improve people’s ability to think on their feet and make quick decisions. People who play fast-paced video games, such as first-person shooters, make decisions 25% faster than people who don’t play video games at all.
The researchers believe that video games force players to react quickly and make decisions in a chaotic environment.
Can Enhance Executive Functioning
Executive functioning is the ability to regulate and control one’s thoughts and behaviors and is essential for academic and professional success. Executive functions are the cognitive skills that allow people to plan, focus, and multitask.
A growing body of evidence suggests that playing video games can have cognitive benefits. The cognitive benefits of video gaming are because they require players to focus and respond quickly to stimuli, which exercises the brain.
The participants of action video games can show improvements in their task management skills, attention span, and reaction times.
Eases Anxiety And Depression In Older Adults
Video games can have several positive impacts on people. For example, they can help ease anxiety and depression.
Research done by the University of Utah found that playing video games can help people who suffer from anxiety. They found that video games can be just as effective as medication in treating anxiety.
Depression can also be eased by playing video games. Playing video games for just 30 minutes a day can help people who suffer from depression. The games help increase positive emotions and reduce negative emotions.
Cons
Video games continue to be one of the most popular forms of entertainment. However, parents should be aware of some potential adverse effects of video games.
Addiction
One such adverse effect is that video games can lead to addiction. Some people become so addicted to video games that they neglect their responsibilities and spend all their time playing them.
This can harm their academic or work performance and even lead to problems in their relationships, social isolation, and health problems.
Aggression and Violence
Another potential adverse effect of video games is that they can cause aggression. Some video games allow players to engage in simulated violence. There’s a greater likelihood it will cause aggression in players in a realistic game.
This idea was supported by a study by the University of Utah. The study found that kids who played violent video games were more likely to show aggressive behavior, including verbal and physical aggression, than those who didn’t play violent video games.
Depression
Another adverse effect of video games is that the players can be depressed when away from their consoles. Although it was listed as a positive impact on older adults, it has the exact opposite on young children.
Why Do Parents Hate Video Games?
1. A Waste Of Your Child’s Valuable Time
Parents dislike video games because they can be a waste of time. Children can spend hours upon hours glued to a screen without ever stepping outside or interacting with others.
This can lead to social isolation and a lack of physical activity, which is unhealthy for children.
Children could be spending their time doing something more productive, like reading, playing outside, or developing other interests. Instead, they spend hours on end on screens, which could lead to school and social settings problems.
2. Can Lead To Obesity
Video games can also lead to obesity. Many games require players to move around their living rooms or use controllers to simulate movement; kids are getting less exercise and are more likely to be overweight.
Another reason is that they can be addictive and cause people to spend too much time playing them.
3. Can Be Harmful To Children’s Mental Health
One of the most concerning is that they can be harmful to children’s mental health. Numerous studies have shown that excessive video gaming can lead to anxiety, depression, and social isolation. It can also make children more aggressive or violent.
Grand Theft Auto, Call of Duty, and Mortal Kombat, are all examples of video games that are inappropriate for children because they have specific scenarios and activities that encourage violence.
You’ll find war-like scenarios, disregard for the law and authorities, sexual violence and exploitation, various stereotypes, including racial and gender. In addition, there is the use of filthy languages and obscenities.
In some cases, children can become numb or immune to violence.
4. Can Become Addictive To Kids
Furthermore, they can be addictive to children; many games are designed to be addictive and keep people playing for hours on end.
Children can become so obsessed with playing video games that they lose focus on their schoolwork, friendships, and hobbies.
And as we know, addiction shouldn’t be taken lightly, it could contribute to other problems, and it’s not easy to overcome an addiction.
5. Reduces Concentration Levels
Additionally, video games can be a massive distraction for kids. They can reduce their concentration levels in class and other meaningful activities.
What Should Parents Do To Combat Video Games?
Check the games’ content rating.
Parents can check a game’s rating by looking for the ESRB rating symbol on the game box or online.
The ESRB rating system is a voluntary labeling system that rates video games based on their content, using the following age-based categories: EC (Early Childhood), E (Everyone), M(mature).
Games that are rated E for Everyone are usually fine for children. Games that are rated M for Mature, on the other hand, may have content that is not appropriate for children; this includes violence, sexual content, and strong language.
Limit the playing time; Even if your child can play games rated E, it is crucial to set time restrictions.
Play with your child; You can play with your child to understand what the game entails, and it’s also a great bonding experience.
Educate them on the dangers of internet predators; It is also a good idea to have an open dialogue with your child on all the dangers out there.
Set clear rules on the content of the games when they’re at home and when at a friend’s house; liaise with other parents so they can monitor them during sleepovers.
Place the gaming consoles in a room where you can easily watch over them; you can arrange for your child to play in the living room rather than their bedroom, where you can easily monitor them.
Conclusion
Playing video games with your kids can be an excellent way for parents and kids to spend quality time together. However, many parents don’t understand why games can be so appealing to their children, and they often view games as a waste of time.
This article has explored five of the most common reasons parents hate video games. Additionally, we’ve included some tips on dealing with this issue. If you’re a gamer and have parents who disapprove of your hobby, don’t give up! You can do a few things to try and change their minds.
We hope this has helped to shed some light on this topic. Thanks for reading!
