Virtual learning has kids yearning for socialization and video games could be the answer
Virtual learning has kids yearning for socialization and video games could be the answer
Virtual learning has kids yearning for socialization and video games could be the answer
By Jessi Schultz
September 22, 2020
Summary
For some kids, that loneliness has contributed to a spike in video games sales and more time playing those games, especially ones with headsets that allows kids to talk to their friends while playing.
Trey has always played video games, but when the pandemic hit, he used it as a way to connect to his peers.
Robbin Velayedam, Trey's dad, said growing up, he was a gamer, too, so he doesn't have an issue with his kids playing the games.
"They use video games to connect, to socialize, to collaborate with their friends. There's only so long they can spend with mom and dad. They need to spend time with people their own age, and that's when we found out video games was actually the best way for them to do that," he said.
Dr. Miller said that's not a bad thing video games can provide that socialization aspect that kids are yearning for during remote learning.
"But I think it's just important for parents to be mindful of what games kids are playing, who they're connecting with," he said.
"I think if they're playing video games where they're learning to construct things together, to build worlds together, to cooperate, to achieve things together, then that's what they learn play is."
Velayedam said he and his wife approve of every game their kids are playing.
"They play Fortnight, just like many other kids play. They play Minecraft. Minecraft is not violent at all. Minecraft is very cool and very creative. So I don't mind them playing that because it brings out the creative side of them," he said.
Dr. Miller said while the games are good for socializing, it is no replacement for face-to-face interaction and exercise, and notes while there's no definitive rule on screen time, younger kids should have far less than teenagers.
Reference
Schultz, J. (2020, September 22). Virtual learning has kids yearning for socialization and video games could be the answer. Retrieved October 13, 2020, from https://www.news5cleveland.com/news/local-news/oh-medina/virtual-learning-has-kids-yearning-for-socialization-and-video-games-could-be-the-answer