Guadalupe Rivero
08/24/2021 6:01 AM
Clarín.com
Families
Updated 08/24/2021 6:01 AM
Shooting, weapons, soldiers, battles, blood and enemies.
The
violent content
of some video games invites parents to reflect on the themes and objectives they offer and whether or not they are appropriate for
children
.
Although video games are classified according to parameters such as the recommended age of users, as with other platforms, it is not a requirement that is always met.
Fortnite
, for example, is for ages 13 and up;
Call of Duty
, for ages 18. However, they are easily accessed by younger boys and girls.
Germán Beneditto
, a psychologist specializing in technoaddictions, educational technology and video games (on Instagram, @tecnoterapia), explained to
Clarín
that exposure to this type of video game "can have a negative impact on children, since they are in a stage of development" where they build their
identity
and their
links
, knowing and learning about the environment and discovering the differences between the inside and the outside.
"If we have a boy or a girl who is exposed to this content, the issue is how they are going to decode that violent content," he added.
This type of video game "can have a negative impact on children," said Beneditto. Photo illustration Shutterstock.
"The problem that children play these video games is that it generates
desensitization
, it is like violence is absolutely naturalized, they take it as something normal," said psychologist
Laura Jurkowski
, a specialist in technology addiction and director of the Reconnect center.
This, in addition, many times "generates many fears and terrors," he said.
When they grow up, the approach is different.
“In the case of adolescents there is a clearer differentiation of the inside and the outside, of the limits.
In that case, they can play a game and go into an 'as if', 'pretend that' and enjoy the immersive experience that the game offers them.
The adolescent will know more clearly that it is a game
”, clarified Beneditto.
Limits and dialogue
"It is extremely important to be able to set limits and, depending on age, see what kind of games kids play," recommended Jurkowski (on Instagram, @laujurko).
At the same time, he urged that age classification be taken into account before sons and daughters engage with a title that might not be appropriate for their age.
Setting limits is essential when talking about games and screens.
Photo illustration Shutterstock.
Beyond the interaction between peers that may be generated, the specialist discouraged the use of video games with such a load of aggressiveness.
“Accessing certain types of
ultraviolent
games
is not advisable even if the boys' friends play this.
You can't access everything,
there are
really
games that kids shouldn't play,
"he said.
For this refusal to be understood by the true stakeholders, the specialist mentioned that "it is essential to maintain an open dialogue with the boys."
Thus, without punishment or threatening tones, he suggested talking about the risks and what is recommended and what not within the virtual world, as well as stating that there will always be a channel available if questions or difficulties arise as a result of the game.
Those of "yes" and those of "no"
Nacho
is thirteen years old and, for approximately two years, he has played, among others,
Fortnite
and
Apex Legends
.
"His friends meet and interact in those games," said his mother, while clarifying that she does not like to be entertained in that way.
In any case, the use of devices for these types of activities is limited and, according to
Clarisa
, she always tries to encourage him to explore other options.
At one time, he commented, he noticed behaviors where the child imitated certain attitudes of the game: "I approached it a lot from speech, from reflection," he recalled.
At that time, he added, he bet on communication and "to channel all that, he found accompaniment in music and in his art activities."
Some families choose to allow these video games as a mode of interaction.
Photo illustration Shutterstock.
At seven,
Emiliano is
still not allowed to download
Fortnite
on his tablet.
Having his own device was a consequence of the coronavirus pandemic, when
virtual classes
were protagonists and his parents used the computers available to work.
“We
gave
in on a lot of issues.
The time of use, the access to paid accessories for some games, but we did not deliver this battle, ”said
Liliana
, the child's mother.
The boy's insistence is based on the fact that other boys in the grade play Fortnite together.
"
Each family decides about their children while they are young,
" his mother tries to explain, in total disagreement with the violence shown by these games.
Dialogue with boys and girls, fundamental.
Photo illustration Shutterstock.
Suggestions for the whole family
“
The video game is here to stay: it is and it exists
.
What you have to do is
integrate it in a healthy way
so that it becomes another recreational space that accompanies the children in the development of their lives and their personalities, ”said Beneditto while detailing his recommendations:
Share the game with them.
Ask them what and why they like it.
Talk about the time of use, substantiate it and explain why it is important that they do other activities.
From an emotional point of view, explain that the game is for them to have fun and not to upset them.
You have to make them understand that this is not good, that they exercise tolerance for frustration.
The screens must have a limited time of use in boys and girls.
Photo illustration Shutterstock.
For her part, Laura Jurkowski offered her suggestions regarding the use of screens and video games:
It is important
that parents always know what their children are doing on screens
.
Agree that not all the activities that the boys carry out are with screens.
Differentiate the type of activity in front of the screen (“a tutorial is not the same as a passive activity such as watching a video on YouTube or on TikTok”).
Check that they are not like marathons for a long time in front of the screens, it is better that they stay for a while, then take a break from something else and then come back.
Look also
The confusing truth about screen time for kids
10 things you need to know about OnlyFans if you have teenage children
