Do you play Video Games too? Or does your child? (Video Games) Shall we talk about the good and the bad?

Most of the time, our little ones and even the young ones love `Video Games` a lot, don't they? In fact, sometimes it gets so far that parents have to say, " That's enough, put that aside and do something else! " Maybe you hear this story when you're about to move on to the next `level`. However, that advice has great value, because too much of anything is not good.

Do video games really make you better?

Now you might be thinking, "What's the problem, isn't there any benefit to playing video games?" You can't say that right away. In fact, some studies have found that certain types of video games can improve our hand-eye coordination, problem-solving skills, and information processing speed. Just think, when we play certain strategy games, we learn to think, make decisions quickly, and plan things. Also, there are some games that have educational value and help us learn new things. So, within limits, if you choose them correctly, there can be some benefits to video games.

So where is the problem?

Simply put, too much of anything is not good. Just like eating too much of a delicious food can cause stomach upset. Spending too much time playing `Video Games`, that is, spending most of the day in front of a `screen`, can cause many unexpected problems. Let's see what they are.

What are the effects on physical health?

Let's first see what happens to the body.

• Are you trying to gain weight? (`Overweight`): When you play `Video Games` for hours on end, your body doesn't get any exercise, does it? When you sit in one place without running or jumping, the energy from the food you eat doesn't get burned. What happens then? Gradually, fat accumulates in the body and your body starts gaining weight . Sometimes this can even lead to obesity . Not only that, eating and drinking all kinds of `junk food` and sugary drinks while playing games also helps this. After this , the chances of developing serious diseases like `Diabetes Mellitus` and heart disease increase.

• What happens to your eyes?: When you stare at a screen for a long time, your eyes feel very tired, don't they? Your eyes become red, teary, and itchy .Blurred vision and sometimes headaches can occur. We sometimes call this condition `Computer Vision Syndrome` . This can be reduced by things like giving your eyes regular breaks and keeping the `brightness` of the `screen` low. But the best thing is to reduce the amount of time you play games and take breaks in between.

• Back, neck, and hand injuries: Sitting in the same position, especially in the wrong position, for hours can cause back pain and neck pain. Also, using a mouse, keyboard, or controller for long periods of time can cause pain and numbness in the hands, fingers, and wrists. We call this Repetitive Strain Injury (RSI) . If these continue, they can cause serious problems in the future. Therefore, it is very important to be careful about your sitting posture and to stand up and stretch your body occasionally.

• Does it affect sleep?: Yes, definitely. Especially when playing `Video Games` at night, the blue light from the `screen` signals our brain that it is still daytime. Then the production of ` Melatonin` , a hormone that helps us sleep, is disrupted. The result? We can't sleep, and even if we do sleep, we don't sleep properly . Even when we wake up in the morning, our body is tired. If this continues, it will greatly hinder our studies and other daily activities. Sleep is essential for our body and mind.

What are the psychological and social impacts?

Playing too much video games can affect not only physical health, but also mental health and social relationships.

• Neglecting schoolwork and other responsibilities: If you are absorbed in video games all day long, you may neglect schoolwork, homework, and other responsibilities. You are more likely to get low grades and fail exams . This can have a big impact on your future.

• Social distancing: Although some video games can be played online, the social connection they provide is very different from the experience of hanging out with friends in real life. When you play video games continuously, you can lose touch with your real-life friends, distance yourself from your family, and feel lonely.

• Aggression: This is a sensitive topic. Some studies have shown that children and young people who play violent video games regularly are more likely to develop aggressive behavior, such as irritability .You can see more things like this. I can't say this happens to everyone, but it's important to be aware of this too.

• Addiction (`Gaming Disorder`): Sometimes playing `Video Games` can become uncontrollable. That is, you can't stop playing the games, you feel restless when you're not playing the games, and you prioritize the games over everything else. This can even become severe, leading to a mental condition called `Gaming Disorder` . The World Health Organization (`WHO`) has even recognized this as a medical condition.

"Just think, how cruel would it be if the most valuable time of your life, the time to learn, do new things, and have fun with friends, was spent in front of a `screen`?"

How to maintain a balance with `Video Games`?

Okay, after hearing all this, you might think that `Video Games` are a bad thing. It's not. The most important thing is balance . Let's see how to create this `balance`. 1. Set a time limit (`Limit Screen Time`): Set a specific time limit for how much `Video Games` you play per day. Add to this the time you watch `TV`, `computer`, `smartphone`, `tablet`, and control the total `Screen Time`. Parents can help with this. 2. Choose good `Games`: Choose `games` that are appropriate for your age, have educational value, or that develop your skills. `Games` have `ratings`, just like `movies`. Get help from your parents and choose a `game` that suits you. 3. Make time for physical activities: Just like playing video games, make sure to find time to run around and exercise. It is very important to engage in at least one hour of physical activity a day. 4. Prioritize other things: Prioritize things like schoolwork, hobbies, spending time with family, and hanging out with friends. Video games are just one part of life. 5. Play active games: There are some video games that get you up and moving. Like dancing games and sports games. If possible, choose games like that. That way, you will get a little exercise along with the fun.

A little advice for parents

• Be aware of the games your child plays.
• Set clear limits on screen time, and enforce those limits.
• Play video games with your child. Talk to them, it helps you understand their world and strengthens your relationship.
• Instead of having a `computer` or `gaming console` in your child's room, place them in a common area (like the living room) where the family can see them. (You can stop them from watching other things like the game itself.)
• Encourage your child to engage in other hobbies, sports, and social activities.
• If your child seems to be overly addicted to video games, don't hesitate to seek professional advice.

Take-Home Message

Video games can be fun and beneficial if used properly. But, like anything, too much of them can lead to problems . The most important thing is balance .

• Set aside a specific time for `Video Games`.
• Choose good, age-appropriate `Games` .
• Prioritize physical activity, schoolwork, and social connections .
• If your child is playing video games, you should also pay attention to it .
• If you feel like video games are causing problems, seek advice .

Let's all try to use `Video Games` properly, without making it a problem in our lives, and only get the good things out of it. Do you understand what I said? My favorite games that I've played recently: Red Dead Redemption 2, Horizon Zero Dawn, Forza Horizon, like doesn't mean I recommend it, what are your favorite games? Leave a comment and let me know.

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