CHOOSE THE RIGHT VIDEO GAMES FOR TEENAGERS
Parents of middle school teens have long worried about the influences in their children’s lives, from the games they play, the music they buy and the shows they watch to the friends they make. The closer they inch to becoming a teenager, all of those influences can either work to improve or diminish their confidence level.
Playing video games is not simply entertainment or an escape; playing video games can be a confidence booster.
The best games offer intellectual challenges, social interaction and a creative outlet. Playing games provide opportunities for teenagers to problem solve, be part of a group, express themselves and find their voice.
"For many tween/teens, gaming can be a star with many points," says Taina Malén of Star Stable, an online multi-player PC game.
"For some, a game can be about storytelling and adventure; for some, it's about caretaking; for some, it's about hobbies; for some, it's about sport and competition; for some, it's about socialising. For all, it's about self-expression — about simultaneously fitting in and standing out."
Here are five features and characteristics to consider when choosing video games for a tween or a teen:
Find games that challenge them to think
Games involving problem-solving help teens feel a sense of accomplishment.
When they analyse a problem and resolves it successfully, it boosts their confidence. Many games today incorporate problem-solving as part of the adventure, such as multi-player games where teens work together to solve quests or challenges.
Look for games that require collaboration and teamwork
Games that encourage or even require teens to work together help players to hone their collaboration and communication skills, while creating a sense of community. In-game friendships (sometimes with players many states away) can expand the world around them. Games rooted in a positive, shared social experience and teamwork encourage collaboration and friendship.
Choose games that mirror their interests
Today's tweens have many varied interests, and there are games that support virtually every pursuit — art, music, sports or animals.
In addition to immersing themselves in a game subject they love, they are likely to find their "tribe" here, too - other teens with the same passion to "nerd out" about horses or soccer or fantastical worlds.
Research games that encourage self-expression
Today's gamers tend to prefer open world or sandbox games that let them be creators, where they are customising characters, building worlds or directing the plot. Teens at this age are in a constant battle to both fit in and stand out. Games that allow them to customise their experience will not only give them a sense of control and decisiveness, but will also let them put their own unique stamp on their game experience — which can be very empowering.
Select games that are rich in storytelling and music
Just like a favourite movie, today's games must also include a clever and interesting story, rich characters and original music. Tweens/teens are sophisticated consumers, and games with an evolving story line and fresh music are markers for a game that is worthy of its cost. In many cases, game play can spill over to socialising, where teens talk plot and how it will unfold, the location of hidden gems or why they love a new song.
A game like Star Stable can be the springboard for turning a gamer into a creator, where teens are inspired to make music videos, write poetry or produce artwork.
These days, gaming is so much more than a simple pastime. It can be a place where teens connect with people with similar interests, grow friendships and express themselves. Helping them find the right game can reinforce their favorite interests and increase their self-confidence, and maybe — just maybe — make those tween and teen years a tiny bit easier, and more fun.