Video Gaming, is it Safe for Children?

​Did you know that in October 1958, Physicist William Higinbotham created what some would argue to be the first video game? It was a very elementary game of tennis, very much like the remarkable 1970s video game known as Pong, and it was quite popular for its time. 

In this week's podcast episode, we discussed the risks associated with children playing games that are so sophisticated in every aspect of their design.

My guest Trevor Alexander as a dad and podcaster himself, understand the efficacy of videos from a personal level, however, there is also a dark element, and there is where parents need to be alert to what the child is engaged in.

The encouragement for parents, is to interact with their children while gaming, thus, the parent can evaluate whether it is a healthy video interaction.

   Video gaming is a digital playground, so when we put it in those terms, parents would not allow their children to play with just anyone if they were at an actual playground.

There must be guidelines in place, and parental controls to be able to navigate through the gaming world to keep your children safe.

Before acquiring a game, look for rating and determine whether the game is developmental of which there are plenty of educational games to improve learning skills. 

Playing video games are tantamount to riding your bike, climbing the backyard tree, playing ball and an assortment of childhood activities. It is an addition to how children entertain themselves, however, like everything else, they need supervision.

If your recreational room only contain electronics, what do you suppose the child will do for fun?

What is suggested is to include other fun things to do such as, puzzles, books, board games, kid magazines, toys, and other non-screen devices.

Additionally, you may get an argument but keep iPads or TV out of their bedroom. Especially, keep electronic devices (off) while they are studying or doing their homework. Screen time should be viewed as a privilege, and never as a right or an entitlement. 

But at what point do you let your child play without supervision?

Much like in the actual playground, it is unrealistic to be there 24/7 to supervise what they are doing and with whom.

So, what is the answer?

At a certain point, (trust) has been cultivated, in other words, children are growing up, and hopefully you have instilled in them the dangers of participating in the gaming environment.

It can be illustrated this way. If you were to hold a spring in a closed fist, and if you open your hand too fast, the spring will spring out of control. So, you open your hand slowly commensurate to the child’s disposition, and only parents can determine the developmental growth of their children.

It is not an easy job in the world of parenthood, however, allow me to leave you with this final thought. I will say that 90% of the battle is hinged on your example of how you view any activity you participate in. Children are not by any means dense; they are always observing you as a parent.