Video games are a great way to help young children perfect their learning, and why not allow them to have fun at the same time. On the other hand, finding the right game for them can be difficult for parents. In this article, we will look at which video games are suitable for this age group and what benefits they give to children.
Playing video games: an activity not recommended for children under 3 years old
According to studies by researchers specializing in child behavior, video games are strongly discouraged for children under the age of three. The fact is that the introduction of screens at this age can cause addiction for our children, which can harm their physical and mental health. Know that a child can not follow a schedule, and bend to habits that from the age of four years, this is also the case with food. It is only after four years that he will be able to regulate the time spent in front of the screens, but the presence of the parents is always requested and advised.
It is also imperative to limit the time your child (3 to 6 years old) spends playing video games to inculcate good habits. The fact is that a video game session that normally lasts 30 minutes at the beginning can go to one or more hours if parents don’t pay attention. During a video game game, parents must live with the child this first experience so that he can express his feelings throughout the session. Indeed, this will allow you to better identify and follow your little treasure since it is an activity in its own right. Video games are indeed different from movies and cartoons broadcast on YouTube where the viewer remains passive for several hours.
According to the opinion of some psychoanalysts, the negative effects that screens can cause are reduced when the child can talk and share his feelings during a game of video games.
The benefits of video games for young children
Video games can provide young children with a variety of activities and intellectual challenges. Some games can help children develop their skills in letters, science, math, and logical reasoning. Games that emphasize social interaction can help children develop their relationship skills and communication skills. As to games that offer thought-provoking activities such as puzzles or games of chance, these can help children develop their critical thinking while awakening their creativity.
Genres of video games that are suitable for young children
Video games can be a fun and playful way for toddlers to learn. Games can offer children, in many ways, different ways to learn and develop their skills and knowledge in a playful way. Video games can also help children develop their ability to pay attention and find solutions to problems. It must be admitted that video games are beneficial for children, if well managed, they become one of the best ways for parents to prepare children for real life.
In principle, in the video game market, there is a classification which aims to ensure the protection of young children. One can cite for example the Pan European Game Information (PEGI) rating system which can help parents choose the right video game for their child. Thus, to help easily choose video games that are suitable for young children, check the following annotations on the covers of the game in question:
- PEGI 3, the video game is recommended for players over 3 years old;
- PEGI 7, video games are prohibited for children under 7;
- PEGI 12, the video game is recommended for players who are over 12 years old;
- PEGI 16, the video game is recommended for players aged over 16;
- PEGI 18, the video game is intended for adult players over the age of 18.
As for the game platform suitable for young children, to have a large catalog, it is better to opt for the Nintendo Switch portable console. Indeed, most video games on this console are suitable for children, especially the Super Mario license. Among the titles from Nintendo that are suitable for young children, we can mention:
- Super Mario Party ;
- Lego jurassic world ;
- Pikmin ;
- etc.
Thus, to best choose the video games that will be suitable for your children, it is essential to check the PEGI classification system on the cover of the game. As for the genre, choose the one that suits your child’s tastes.