Developmental psychologist Timur Mursaliyev helps parents understand their children. This time we asked him to explain how computer games can affect the psyche of teenagers.
Up to 90% of teenagers regularly play computer games today. Many parents are at a loss, because they are sure that an active virtual life interferes with learning, hinders the development of social skills and, most importantly, that games with elements of violence infect a teenager with their cruelty.
“Research refutes this dependence,” explains developmental psychologist Timur Mursaliyev. – Most schoolchildren, plunging into the virtual world, forget about reality. Recklessly shooting 50 opponents per minute, the teenager is aware that his enemies are pixels, they are drawn.
It is impossible to learn how to kill a person by shooting pixels. It may be interesting for a teenager to perform a virtual operation and see what the person has inside. But just as enthusiastically, he dismantled the typewriter in childhood, wanting to understand how it was made …
The really aggressive behavior of a teenager in real life is a symptom of his inner trouble. And “shooters” and other “action games” attract him precisely because they allow him to relax, throw out aggression in a socially acceptable way. Evil antics are a reason not to turn off the computer, but to think about what is happening in his soul, in his relationships with peers and in your family life.
The influence of computer games can be quite positive
Many games – if you devote a limited time to them – are useful for the formation of various skills.
So, role-playing games (for example, Baldur’s Gate) develop social skills, strategy games (Heroes 3 or Warcraft) train the ability to analyze, and shooters (Counter-Strike) develop teamwork skills, tactical decisions and reactions. Simulation games (racing, flying on airplanes, like IL-2 or NFS) broaden one’s horizons and help to understand the technology. Logic games develop spatial thinking.
“It is difficult to control a teenager’s relationship with the Internet,” admits Timur Mursaliev. – But you should not put passwords on the computer, because the ban only increases its attractiveness. Try to negotiate – both on the time spent playing, and on the choice of games in compliance with age restrictions (today they are indicated on all licensed versions).
Offer your teenager something that is close to you, but at the same time show interest and respect for his hobby. It will be a pleasure for a son or daughter to share their knowledge with you, to talk about games and websites. Spend time and energy, figure it out, find out, understand. This will calm you down, give a topic for communication with the child and really bring him closer. ”
The site parents can find the most complete selection of scientific research on the topic “Children and the Internet”, comments by leading Russian psychologists, and also sign up for a consultation with specialists.