Nisma Rafiq

Saudi Gazette

 

Everyone likes some sort of entertainment in life, especially after a long and hectic week at school. It’s better to spend free time outdoors playing with family and friends, but in this hot weather it is better to stay indoors.



So, what do you do while you are free at home?  You either play games on your mum’s mobile or Ipads, or pick up your console or computer to play your favorite game. In case of your favorite game, you just don’t know where time flies.



According to a study, people in Saudi Arabia play 10 hours of video games per week, and 69 percent of them were male.



Some parents worry about the amount of time kids spend playing video games. Playing good video games is a good form of entertainment — as long as it is not being misused. Too much of anything is bad.



Merits of playing video games

 

• Research has shown that video games help people focus and concentrate.


• It helps you to solve problems and develop creativity.


• Games can help to build your interest in various subjects of History, geography, culture and tradition.


• It can be your guide in choosing a career by providing knowledge about the field through creative games.


• It can help you make friends. It will be a common thing between you and your new friends allowing you to hang out together.


• Learning new moves of football, skating or even dance steps through games and practicing them on the ground is a great way to exercise.


• As most of the games are based on city building, strategic warfare, leading and governance, it teaches you decision making, teamwork and leadership skills.


• Another research conducted in August 2014 shows that children who play video games are happier and satisfied with their lives as compared to those who do not play at all.
  
   

Demerits of playing video games

 

• Playing violent games can cause depressive symptoms.  It can also cause aggressive behavior, thoughts and action.


• Too much of anything is bad. It can weaken your eyesight and isolate your from the real world.


• If you would spend more time on the couch playing video game, chances are you’ll become fat, which is not good for your health.


• More gaming means, less time for homework, read, sports and interaction with friends and family.


• Now a day video games can sometimes give negative messages. For example, breaking rules is rewarded.


• Games can confuse reality and fantasy.


• If you do spend lots of time playing video games, according to research your performance in school will go down. So, don’t overplay!!
  
  
  
  

What to do?

 

• Pick up a good genre of video game. Instead of playing violent stuff, go for something more educational and creative.


• Limit your screen time and do not exceed under any condition. Play only for an hour.


• When the weather gets mild, make sure to spend more time playing outdoors in order to balance your screen time and outdoor physical activities.