Compiled by Annalise Kempen

In modern times, small children and teenagers alike are entertained, educated and kept busy through online games. Many would argue that it often serves to keep them in touch with friends and family. The question parents should ask themselves is what they know about online gaming and what they should do to ensure that the games that their children play online and with multiple other players, do not cause any form of harm to their children, defeating the purpose of education and healthy entertainment.

What are online games?
Many people are under the impression that all games that are downloaded from the Internet are regarded as "online games". The United Kingdom's National Online Safety (NOS, nd) explains that "online gaming is simply the playing of a video game over the internet, usually with friends. Online games can be played on any number of devices from dedicated video games consoles such as PlayStations, Xboxes and Nintendo Switches, to PCs, laptops and mobile phones". The NSPCC (nd) adds that games can also be played on apps or websites, tablets, smart watches and virtual reality headsets. Gamers can also chat to other players using messaging platforms for gamers or watch livestreams of well-known gamers.

Internet Matters (nd), an online platform that aims to support parents and carers to navigate the ever-changing digital landscape, estimates that there are approximately 2.8 billion active users of mobile/online games worldwide, making it one of the most accessible ways to play online video games on the range of digital devices.

Games can be categorised into different types, ranging from short and simple games such as Angry Birds and Candy Crush to creative games where the aim is to solve puzzles or building worlds such as Minecraft. Other games aim that players be strategic and require skill such as to play chess; while games such as Fortnite and Call of Duty are filled with adventures that explore different worlds and conflict. There are also games that are a combination of types with other features such as those having the ability to interact and communicate with others. In addition, players can share content, purchase in-game items and even create their own games within the game (NSPCC, nd).

Benefits versus dangers/risk of playing online games
It is easy to focus on either the benefits or the negative aspects of playing online games, but it is important that parents know about both to decide which of the two rank the highest for them. When parents and their children are informed about the risks of playing online games, they can try to mitigate the risks where possible.

Benefits
Parents need to help their children to choose age-appropriate games, so that online gaming can offer parents and their children another way to interact and develop skills. Internet Matters (nd) also lists the following as some of benefits of online gaming:

• Promoting exercise and thinking

Some active gaming apps test endurance and encourage children to run, jog or jump to gain points or navigate through a game. Some are using augmented reality that encourages children to go outside to take part to enhance gameplay. When children play online games that test their strategic thinking and awareness of their wider environment, it can help to boost their memory, spatial awareness and problem-solving. In some cases, playing games can also improve dexterity in younger children.

In an article published by Kaspersky (nd), a cybersecurity solutions company, it adds that online gaming can build crucial skills such as hand-eye coordination, teamwork and collaboration. Since games are built on the principle of achievements and reaching higher levels, these principles can teach children about setting goals, while driving their motivation and eventually self-confidence.

• Educational benefits

Parents can help their children to choose games that test their knowledge of maths, science or other areas of interest which can enhance learning to make it more fun for children to stay engaged in a particular subject.

• Supporting children with special needs

Children who have special needs with regard to communication or motor skills, social interaction, reading and writing, can benefit from specific online video games that focus on developing these skills.

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[This is only an extract of an article that is published in Servamus: May 2023. The rest of the article highlights the dangers and risks and what can be done to keep your children safe. If you are interested in reading more, send an e-mail to: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or a WhatsApp to: 078 712 1745 to find out what you have to do. Ed.]