Limiting video games’ time better for kids than total ban, say experts
dubai — After some Emirati families recently launched a boycott campaign against video games, experts urged parents to direct their focus on supervising electronic games among youth rather than banning it.
A video that went viral on social media showed Emirati parents destroying Playstation machines, while urging their children to stay away from these devices that are “harmful to their health.”
In the video, one of the parents said video games proved to have negative impact on children’s physical, social and mental well-being. “It encourages aggression and violent behaviour, lowers their concentration and distracts them from their studies,” the parent said.
Another father claimed there’s nothing positive about playing video games, which drove him to ban playstation at home. “These gadgets made children prefer staying at home than going outside to play. It continues to impact their mental capacities and social behaviour,” he said.
Video and online games have been recently under fire after contributing to numerous suicides among teenagers worldwide. The UAE recently took strict measures against several online games and blocked them to protect children, including games such as Roblox, My Friend Cayla, Blue Whale, Cloudpets and Mariam.
While experts acknowledge the dangers coming through video games, they confirm that banning smart gadgets is not the solution.
Era of smart education
Moza Al Shoomi, vice-president of Emirates Child Protection Association, said children are in the era of smart education.
“If we look deeper, we will find ourselves ahead of something we cannot stop. We can’t stop our children from using iPads, mobile phones or smart gadgets as they’ve become an integral part of their education in schools,” said Al Shoomi, one of the founders of the child protection law.
Parents’ duty, therefore, is to control the use of video games and educate children on the dangers that could come from this virtual world from hacking to bullying that must be reported to authorities, in-
If we look deeper, we will find ourselves ahead of something we cannot stop. Just like iPads used in schools are controlled for educational purposes, it should be the same at home.” Moza Al Shoomi, vice-president, Emirates Child Protection Association
stead of completely banning the whole activity.
“Just like iPads used in schools are controlled for educational purposes, it should be the same at home,” said Al Shoomi. Parents must allocate certain timings allowed for children to play video games and encourage them to engage in critical thinking or physical activities.
“Usually such bans do not last over 30 days before children look for a layout to play behind their parents back. The truth is banning children from smart gadgets separates them from the outer world and knowledge platforms,” said Al Shoomi.
She stressed that teenagers who
fell addicts to online games were probably not aware of the dangers they’re subjected to, which puts families in a questionable position.
Since the Child Protection Law (Wadeema Law) holds parents or guardians accountable for any mental or physical harm to children, Al Shoomi said lack of guidance and awareness of children can put families to question. But this makes prevention a wrong step to take.
Encourage better gaming
Dr Hussain Maseeh, a clinical psychologist, said the ban prevents children from learning selfdiscipline. The best method, he confirmed, is giving them the space and guiding them to make their own decisions. The American Psychological Association (APA) has set zero hours spent on electronics during the first two years of a child’s life. One hour a week is allowed for children from 2-4 years old.
Maseeh said the ideal situation is allowing children and teenagers to play video games 3-4 hours only during weekends to teach them discipline, while giving them space to do something they enjoy before moving to another activity that can enhance social skills.
Children must also be taught the ‘dos and don’ts’ when playing electronic games.
“Video games can encourage violent behaviour and make children short-tempered and angry. So they must be told if they start yelling or using bad language, the playstation will be withdrawn,” said Maseeh.
He urged parents to encourage their kids to engage in social activities since video games don’t give room for any interactions. Even the critical thinking skills learned through the virtual world isn’t applicable to daily life. “It’s better to let them play games that will teach them real problem-solving and social skills. That’s why playstation should be granted for limited time as it makes them lose opportunities to make real friends,” said Maseeh.