How to avoid the negative effects of video games on children

 Everyone knows that video games can do both good and harm to a child. And here much depends on parents who allow or forbid them to spend time in front of the screen, and control what their children do.


Negative effects, the manifestation of physical and psychological problems is connected more not with the computer games themselves, but with how much time a child spends in front of such activity and how he or she treats the virtual world. Incomplexity, asociality of children, excessive enthusiasm and lack of control can lead to serious consequences.

Useful tips for parents


As long as the child is not able to control himself, the entire responsibility for physical, mental and psychological health falls on the parents. Knowing how video games affect kids and wanting to avoid any problems and troubles, heed a few helpful tips.


  • Time limits. Set a time limit for games and other daily activities;

  • Variety of leisure time. Video games should not be the only entertainment. So it will be correct to enroll your child in sections, classes, or find an interesting hobby outside of the computer and Internet;

  • Home duties. Each child should have responsibilities that he will do at home. For example, to clean the room, walk the dog, go shopping with his parents or himself, depending on his age;

  • Daily communication. You need to talk to your child, take an interest in what he or she is doing at school and in everyday life. Create a trusting relationship so children aren't afraid to tell you about their problems;

  • Friends and acquaintances. Be sure to take an interest in who your children are friends with, how they spend their time. A helpful tip will be to invite friends to your home. This way you can watch them from the sidelines and get to know your child better;

  • Communication Rules. Tell and show by example how to properly communicate with adults and peers. These rules should be followed in the virtual world, too;

  • Emotional stress. Teach children to cope with their emotions rather than suppress them. Very dangerous when a child starts to vent negative emotions through online shooters and communication in high tones with other players;

  • Checking games and programs. Periodically check the installed games, programs, and applications on your child's computer and smartphone. If you find banned software, remove it and explain why you did so;

  • Other games outside the computer. Show what you played as a child, try playing board games together. It is important to show that offline games are also interesting and fun;

  • Limited access to the Internet. Another important point in proper parenting to avoid game addiction and other problems associated with video games;

  • Personal example from parents. It is important for the child to see that they are not the only one with inhibitions and restrictions. Having parents with addictions allows the child to think that he or she is allowed to do so as well.


Any prohibitions and restrictions should have a logical and reasonable explanation. This is the only way a child will not make a scandal, and will calmly accept your remarks about the choice of games or the amount of time you allow to spend in front of the screen in the virtual world.


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