After the COVID-19 pandemic announced its arrival, the younger generation is glued to various online games and unfortunately bad habits have set in. Greater depths of focus are needed in some games which elucidate the kind of threat they present to society. Real-world penalties in these games include a reduction in social life and the wrath of the player’s families. These games take a lot of concentration as some involve teamwork.
Parents are worried on many counts about these games, some related to violence which causes behavioral changes as a consequence. They are also worried, truly so, that there is excessive screen time with learning impairment and behavioral issues in children.
Amid the situation, there are some who believe that these games create wrong precedents and breed violent thoughts and criminal behavior in young minds.
Those who support continuation of the games argue that the Constitution assures citizens the right to communicate with others, even through a video game.
While fears of violent games having social consequences are not misplaced, the government should initiate a social advocacy programme against their use. It would be wrong if people are punished for playing a video game as it would lend support to those contending that it affects privacy and freedoms.
Authorities also need to form an online ethics review committee to monitor the entertainment software content from time to time in this context.
There is a need to cut down screen time and it can be done telling children how sedentary activities affect their overall health. Talk to them about things they can do to be healthier.
To decrease screen time, there is a need to find out ways to prevent children use mobile phones. Also do not let your child eat while watching videos or playing games on phone or computers. There is a need to involve children in other activities, such as family board games, puzzles, or going for a walk.
The parents need to be good role models and there is a need to decrease screen time by them also. One may find it difficult to start with but parents need to challenge the routines which have set bad precedents of excessive screen-time activities. With spring is arriving and schools have resumed, parents need to find things to do to get moving and burning energy.
