We are living in 2021, the 21st century, the century of technology, it is normal that kids interact with it. Children are known for their expanding curiosity. How are they not supposed to ask about electronic devices? Their surroundings use them, and they are aware of it. That is why its use has to be implemented from a responsible and educational perspective, for example, with didactic videogames.
According to Qustodio, the presence of violent content in the most popular games among underage kids is common. In fact, 80% of most popular games from ages 4 to 9 have violent content. Among children from 10 to 18 this percentage drops slightly to 70%. This reinforces the crucial need for parental supervision.
Prohibited video game
Seven of the most prohibited videogames by parents coincide with them being the most used ones among children from 4 to 9. It increases to 80% among the 10 year olds and higher. Among the most forbidden ones, majority have violent content. This shows the awareness of Spanish families about the violence present in videogames.
For example, the top spot for most downloaded videogames by Spanish children is held by Brawl Stars in all age groups. It should be noted that the three most popular video games, regardless of age, contain some type of violence.
For this reason, the use of educational video games free of violence should be encouraged. When combining training, entertainment and free of violent practices, educational videogames appear.
Educational video games has many advantages:
1-They help with retention capacity:
Whatever is learned is retained better. Students themselves participate in their own learning and are responsible for remembering rules, tricks or shortcuts that would help to continue advancing in the game. They also improve attention span.
2-They promote motivation
They encourage healthy competition among students. Children are motivated to participate because winning is seen as rewarding.
3-Participation is encouraged
The player inhibits him or herself. This inspires the shyest students to participate. Educational videogames improve student socialization.
4-They promote teamwork
These games rely on the interaction of several players to achieve a common goal. Work teams are created which allows children to work towards a common goal.
5-They develop imagination and logic
The willingness to complete the game is stimulating to the extent that children find new solutions to achieve their goal. They also encourage the application of logic to solve problems that may arise.
6-They improve self-esteem
For children who, due to shyness or personality, may have insecurity problems, these games are very beneficial. Educational games encourage teamwork which promotes relationships with their colleagues.
In general, the main responsible for the video games that reach the youngest children are the parents. They have to protect the integrity and development of their children. Playing an aggressive game with them is not a good idea.
Text edition and translation:Eva de Andrés
Post-editing: Timothee Gross
