There are 'Games for growth' out there for our children. As you can imagine they are not violent games that are usually not age appropriate for our kids anyway.
A study conducted by the Royal Melbourne Institute of Technology tested over 12,000 Australian 15 yr olds in maths, reading, science and compared the results with internet usage and time spent playing video games. They found that excessive internet use was linked to poorer academic results. The main culprits were however, not games but facebook and instagram. Games involving problem solving, like puzzles before going to the next level, like Minecraft actually assisted students to apply knowledge that they had learnt in school, like reading and sharpen their skills in these areas. The study even went as far as suggesting schools continue to use video games for educational purposes.
Other research suggests that it's the total sum of the positive elements of the game, over-riding any negative elements that counts. Social skills and other skills can be learnt on some of the better games. The 'better' video games were also found to be age appropriate and helping children with spelling and maths, social behaviour that spilled over into long term habits off the screen. Those that reward pro-social behaviour have been found to be the most effective in helping kids socially.
Research has also found that playing video games can assist in coping with illness, pain and treatment for children. . Phillips even have an app. Called sonic - toothbrush- reminding children to brush their teeth twice a day.!
Children with Autism can particularly benefit from the social skills learning element.
Other elements to look out for are ones that encourage language skills and are interactive, involve decision mAking and again lead to long term habits off the screen.
Nevertheless, Whatever your kids are playing or engaging in socially needs supervision and monitoring. We can also role-model a balanced approach and using technology for 'meaningful' purposes.
What to look for in the 'on-line supermarket' of Digital Nutrition:
# games that encourage elements of play. Are they learning through discovery and role play?
# does the game have an element of creativity? Engagement that involves problem solving and imagination put into practice.
# look for apps, games and digital activities that encourage pro-social behaviours like empathy. They may have elements of presenting alternative perspectives and story lines.
# we don't need whole family 'digital detoxes' which can overly upset everyone, but we do need to keep connected as a family in other ways. It's about balance, just like a healthy way of eating.
References: USC University of Southern California. International Journal of Communication. Internet usage and Educational Outcomes Among 15 yr. old Australian Students. (2016). Brewer. J. Digital nutrition.com.au 'Introducing Virtual Vitamins' 01/02/17. (Accessed 05/04/17).
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