Playing online not outside

Children enjoy video games at their home in Windsor on February 26, 2016. Photo by Michelle Laramie

By: Michelle Laramie

Many children today are playing online instead of outside.

Teachers and parents say video games are becoming the main source of entertainment for youth today, making them simply not as active.  Limitations on use and proper education of video game safety will help keep children physically and socially fit.

A survey done on Mediasmarts.ca Canada’s Centre for Digital and Media Literacy claims more than 80 per cent of Canadians from the ages of 6 to seventeen say they play video games regularly.  While video games have some positive points like being comfortable using technology, there are a number of issues that are associated with this highly interactive form of entertainment.

Cindy Collins, 36, a mother of two boys, aged 7 and age eleven says video games help aid in familiarizing children with technology.

“It is making them knowledgeable and comfortable with technology, which is great because everything is heading in that direction in the future,” said Collins “It is a world of information at their fingertips.”

However, she says she sees the importance of limiting video game usage and making sure children occupy their time with a variety of things.

“I get busy, but I won’t use video games as a distraction, If I am busy so are they, but with chores, homework or playing outside,”   said Collins.  She also limits her children by stopping video game play at dinnertime.

Many teachers say children who over use video games are not developing proper social skills or basic outdoor play safety knowledge.

Catherine Scandale, 27, a teacher at the YMCA after school program, said she sees the effects of over use all the time

“I have taught in Australia, grades two to six and now here at the YMCA grades one to eight and I have seen a variety of it,” said Scandale.   “I think too much diminishes their social skills.  When they spend all day playing video games they are not learning to communicate or build relationships with people. “

Scandale said when children have issues with someone they are not developing the conflict resolution skills or socially acceptable ways to show their emotions.

Scandale said it is dangerous for children to spend so much time inside immersed in video games.

“They are not learning to look for things on the street,” said Scandale.  “They cannot identify the safety factors that come with outside play.  They just aren’t engaging in the community to learn the safety in their neighborhood.”

Experts say there is also a health risk with excessive video game use.  If a child is playing video games for extended periods throughout the day they are not getting the proper amount of physical activity needed to keep them healthy.

Smart video game use also comes with some safety education and making sure children understand the risks of online games is important.

“It is very important to educate them on the dangers,” said Collins.  “Keeping an open line of communication is important.  They know to come right to me.”