If you are a parent, it is essential for you to be aware to the consequence of excessive using of computer playing games.This post aims to highlight a number of major issue that may cause harm to your kids if they play video games too long.
- Addiction to games/Internet
Playing excessive online games or using the Internet does not necessarily mean that your kids are addicted to it. But there is a high probability that your kids may become addict if you they continue to spend longer time on screen. The games become the most important part of the kid’s life as they start spending more hours in front of the computer screen.
One of the downside of playing excessive online games is that your kids will spend less time with you and the other family members. As the interaction level decreases, your kids will not have the opportunity to spend quality time with your and will be not able to learn many essentials life skills that parents share with the kids when they interact with them.
- Radiation from the computer
Little research has been done on the effects of radiation from mobile phone, computer screen and Wi-Fi. Every device that is not wired needs to use radio frequency for transmitting and receiving signal, which is the conveyor of data. As long as we do not have any concrete evidence, it is better to keep the wireless device away from you whenever possible and avoid keep the smart phones just beside your head when you sleep at night.
- Damage to the eyesight
Children’s eyes are more prone to strain than adults’ eyes. If your kids spend longer hours in front of computer screen, make sure they take a break in every 30 minutes, and always use some sort of back lights. Playing games in a dark room causes more strain on eyes.
- Physical and emotional stress
Spending too much time in sitting position may cause pain in the joints, which in turn might cause psychological problem. No one can deny the benefit of using technology, but we should not forget we are blood and flesh who need relaxation and human interaction too. Make sure your kids spend some time on relaxation and sports to ease off their stress level.
The other side effects of using computer for a longer period of time are backache, headache, disturbance in sleep, carpal tunnel syndrome.
- Obesity
According to world health organization, one of the main reasons of obesity is lack of physical activity due to the increase of sedentary work. Have you ever noticed how many hours a day your kids spend playing games or engaging in other online activities?Help them understand why it is important to get involved in physical activity because it is your responsibility to educate them about the consequences of the obesity and overweight.
http://www.who.int/mediacentre/factsheets/fs311/en/
- Less time for social interaction
Another essential skill that everyone requires is the social interaction. There is a huge difference between online interaction and face-to-face interaction because human life is not all about texting or posting in the social media. There are certain mental muscles that will only be active when you interact with real world people including the family members, friends, neighbours or complete strangers.
Despite having so much negative effects online gaming, the good news is if children are allowed to play age appropriate games for a limited number of hours they are more likely to complete their homework and exercise. In addition, gaming helps to reduce stress level. But never overdo anything; you should not let the source of your joy become the source of your stress.
