The Detrimental Impact of Online Games on Children’s Health and Lifestyle
Games play a vital role in every child’s life. In the past, there was more outdoor space, so kids often played outside in the sunshine, which came with many benefits. However, as outdoor spaces have become scarcer, indoor games have grown in popularity. These days, with the rise of individualism, computer games have become increasingly common.
Some people believe that computer games can help develop various skills. However, it’s important to play them in moderation. Too much of anything can be harmful, and the same goes for online games, which now occupy a significant portion of many children’s lives. Childhood is a critical period for both physical and mental development, and excessive online gaming can threaten both.
**Physical Hazards**
**Muscular injuries in hands:** These injuries aren’t typical in children, but excessive online gaming can lead to overuse of certain hand muscles. This can cause muscle weakness, making it hard for children to write and complete schoolwork, potentially affecting their academic performance.
**Vision issues:** Our eyes are adapted to natural light, not the harsh light from computer screens. Children who spend a lot of time playing online games are often very close to the screen, which can harm their vision, leading to short-sightedness or long-sightedness.
**Dehydration:** Sitting in front of a screen for extended periods can cause dehydration through unnoticed water loss. Kids might not feel thirsty and thus won’t drink enough water, leading to a reduction in blood cell volume and feelings of fatigue after playing games.
**Psychological Hazards**
Prolonged online gaming can also lead to various psychological issues. The type of game a child plays can impact their behavior. For example, some games might make children more aggressive as they try to imitate game characters who often use violence to solve problems.
Research shows that consistent online gaming can lower social competence and increase levels of anxiety, depression, and certain phobias. This can reduce a child’s intellectual capacity and hinder their ability to communicate socially.
Besides these issues, excessive gaming can also affect personal hygiene. Children might spend so much time playing that they skip baths, eat irregularly, and even delay going to the bathroom, all in the pursuit of winning the game.
