The use of video games among young children
One of the most recurring topics of concern for parents and child psychologists alike is the impact of video games on children's health. From the Gameboy with its infallible two-dimensional Mario Bros to the new Play Station 5, video games have become not only a form of entertainment, but also a means of socialization for adults and children alike. But how does this affect children's health?
Since the 1970s, children have been increasingly using video games, so with the arrival of the pandemic, interaction through these virtual worlds has risen enormously.
This new normal, where social interactions are limited, has led many parents to wonder not only whether they should introduce video games to their young children, but when. And here, age is the key.
Effect of video games on health
The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) has recommended that children under 18 months avoid screens altogether. Although their brains are accustomed to dealing with rapid changes better than fully developed adult brains, children in this age group are passive recipients who do not interact with the screen, which can decrease their attention spans. In the case of young children between 18 and 24 months, they should use high-quality programs or applications only with their parents, so that they can monitor mood changes and at the same time create an emotional interaction between the children, the screens, and their parents. Watch the screen your children are playing on and be prepared to find opportunities to build a relationship around the game. Finally, the AAP points out that preschoolers between the ages of two and five should not spend more than one hour a day watching "high-quality programs." From this age onwards, children's attention spans expand, so they can start playing more complex games that involve more extensive interaction with the screen, which means that these games need to be adapted to the children's cognitive level.
As with books and movies, video games also have an ideal age range that can enhance the development of those who immerse themselves in their virtual world. Dr. Sinem Siyahhan , Associate Professor of Educational Technology and Learning Sciences, Associate Director of the Center for Research and Engagement in STEM Education (CRESE), points out that in addition to an appropriate age, video games should also be adapted to the child's skill and cognitive level. Games with complicated controls can overwhelm a preschooler, so she suggests searching forums, asking the seller, or consulting platforms such as AppleStore or Google Play to find out the age for which the video game was designed.
Video games also have a major impact on our children's sleep patterns. The benefits of getting a consistent amount of good sleep are compelling. A recent study published in the medical journal Pediatrics shows a correlation between children having a consistent bedtime and their behavior. The more inconsistent the bedtime, the more behavioral difficulties the children had. Blue light disrupts these sleep patterns by affecting melatonin levels. As a general rule, exposure to bright light in the morning brings forward the time of sleep at night, and in the afternoon, it delays it.
How does playing video games affect your eyes?
Likewise, the blue light emitted by digital devices such as tablets, televisions, and cell phones can be especially harmful to our children's more sensitive eyes, leading to cases of myopia or amblyopia. Several studies indicate that constantly focusing on close visual ranges, as is the case with video games, can stress and tire the eye.
There are several ways to prevent this. The first is to limit the use of devices; experts generally recommend a maximum of about one hour per day. Instead, try doing some kind of outdoor activity or any other form of entertainment that does not involve screens.
Another way is to use approved blue light blocking glasses, specifically designed for children or for video games, which adapt to children's eyes and protect them from these changes in melatonin, such as those you can find on our website.
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