When the trend of online gaming started among kids, parents saw it as a distraction for their children’s studies. Majority of the kids who played online gaming got so hooked that they would rather stay in front of their computer all day than play outside with real kids. But as the years went by, there have been studies that showed the good side of online gaming for kids. Parents slowly understood and saw these benefits of online gaming, especially that video and online games nowadays are a great way to bond with their kids without having to go out of the comfort of their own house.
According to a new study from Sony Online Entertainment LLC (SOE), parents across America are now recognizing the benefits of their children playing online games. The results were published exclusively in the new November issue of Family Circle magazine; suggest that parents are seeing improvements in hand/eye coordination, problem solving and typing skills.
In addition to basic education elements, the survey also suggests that online games teach children to think strategically. The majority of online games require players to follow rules, think tactically, make fast decisions and fulfill numerous objectives to win. Thus the 70% of the parents surveyed who have seen their children’s problem-solving skills improve since they started playing video games.
Shine, Yahoo’s website that reaches 10 million women each month, hosted the survey throughout June 2008. In the study, 87% of parents who participated in the survey are spending time playing video games with their children. “Family video game nights are becoming incredibly popular with the variety of games out there,” said Linda Fears, editor-in-chief, Family Circle magazine. “Parents and children of all ages are finding games to play together, no matter what each person’s experience level.”
Other key survey findings from the survey says that most (75%) of respondents have attributed educational value and improved hand/eye coordination to video game usage. 84% of respondents reported an increase in their child’s typing skills from playing PC/online games. Meanwhile, 72% of respondents say that their kids play games online with other people sometimes or all the time. More than 80% of respondents said that their children play video games in a common area of the house (i.e., family/living room or computer room).
Parents have many options when choosing games for their children. The vast majority of games available in the market are rated E for Everyone (ESRB, 2007). This is an important fact for the almost 80% of parents surveyed who say they purchase all their children’s video games. “The ultimate parental controls are parents themselves,” said John Smedley, president of SOE and father of four.
There are a lot of free games online, like Sqwishland.com, that offer opportunities for kids to play online with others. “The good news is that parents are involved with and aware of what their kids are playing,” said Smedley. “The even better news is that parents and kids are playing together.”
In my own perspective, playing is for all ages and I can say that online gaming gives us the best lessons on how to deal with our life, with people, with the surroundings. It is also the best way to make a good bonding moments with our family or with friends. Its a good idea why there is a technology today that will make our play truly enjoyable, fun, safe, and comfortable.
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