Children and adolescents and their media consumption are repeatedly criticized. Normally, children today have a computer, a television, a game console and spend a lot of free time with one of these media. It is often discussed whether children should be given less access to the media.
On the other hand, an important contribution to the family’s upbringing seems to be the correct use of the media. As the media world has changed rapidly in recent years, it is difficult for parents to understand what makes online games so attractive.
Online games and their charm
An online game that lets young people immerse themselves in foreign worlds on the computer and the Internet is extremely fascinating. A feature of many of these online games is that the players are in a fantasy world that has little to do with the "normal" environment. Users of these online games have to invent their own character and develop it further. You will get in touch with other characters and can try your hand at solving tasks and conflicts. Young people are often very vulnerable, especially in puberty, and often stand in their own way. On-line can they create a figure that seems to have life under control. Diving into other worlds also lets them forget about everyday conflicts. It can also be attractive for adolescents that adults in their environment, whether parents, grandparents or teachers, are excluded from this world and have no access to it. In this way, they create their own living space in which no one can disturb them.
Positive and negative sides of online games
So far, there are no clear studies on the effects of computer and online games. Some experts assume that working with computers and games supports logical thinking and the safe handling of technology. Many parents’ idea that online games are primarily glorifying violence does not apply. There are many games that focus on creativity and imagination.
However, parents have a number of fears related to online and computer games. For example, there are worries that children will isolate themselves because they spend a lot of time alone in front of the computer. That they have more difficulty expressing their emotions because they are mostly sitting opposite a “machine”. Negative effects on academic performance are feared, as is the loss of creativity and spontaneity. There is also the fear that teenagers who play more online games will no longer be able to distinguish between reality and fiction. Just as the positive sides are not verifiable, there is no reliable knowledge about the negative effects.
Correct handling
It is very important, that the adults show interest in online games. No matter if parents or grandparents, they should try to at least give an approximate overview of the games to keep the youth. They either let the youngsters explain the games and watch them for a while or even play along. The other option is to take the chance and take part in a lan party for parents. These are always offered in larger cities, for example by the Federal Agency for Civic Education. Here, parents or grandparents can immerse themselves in the fictional worlds and try to understand what fascination they offer young people. At Lan parties, many people play in one room, so young adults spend whole nights and weekends.
Educators also recommend agreeing a time limit with the players. Either a total time for all media is generally agreed for each day, which must not be exceeded. Or depending on the game preferences, it is determined how much time a teenager can spend in front of the computer. Of course, this depends on the age and should be adjusted accordingly. Exceptions are advisable if there is a new game that must be fascinating and tried out for a longer time. In this way, parents also show the necessary understanding of the needs of the children. Apart from that, parents who deal with the matter can also decide which game is more valuable and which is not recommended.
Most media experts agree on one thing: for children and young people in the family, the computer and the Internet will play an important role in life. It is therefore important to learn how to use the media sensibly from an early age. A total ban can be detrimental to later life in the long run.
author: Dorothee Ragg, Platinetz editorial team
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