Are Video Games Good for Teens? The Answer Might Surprise You

Are you constantly caught between wanting your teen (tweens included!) to enjoy their gaming interests and worrying about their screen time? We get it – the idea of your teens immersed in virtual worlds might raise concerns. But here’s the thing, video game playing, especially on the internet, offers numerous advantages that extend far beyond the digital screen. They provide a platform for learning, creativity, and skill development. The key lies in finding the balance between screen time and other enriching activities. So before you ban them entirely, keep in mind that there are lots of reasons why video games are good for teens—all in moderation, of course.

Gaming Goes Beyond the Screen

According to a 2022 report by The Entertainment Software Association (ESA), more than 65% of Americans play video games – which translates to more than 215.5 million players from all walks of life. And in a world where screens are increasingly ubiquitous, video games offer more than just entertainment—especially for adolescents.

President and CEO of the ESA Stanley Pierre-Louis said, “This year’s report demonstrates the impact video games continue to have – supporting wellness and mental health, strengthening relationships, providing community, facilitating skills development and introducing people to new places, cultures, and ideas.”

Why Video Games are Good for Teens

The short answer is yes, there are benefits to gaming. Beyond the pixels and controller buttons, there are lots of reasons why video games are good for teens, including improving social skills, motor skills, and sparking creativity. And—parents might be surprised to learn—video games actually have been proven to strengthen many skills that kids need. “While one widely held view maintains that playing video games is intellectually lazy, such play actually may strengthen a range of cognitive skills such as spatial navigation, reasoning, memory and perception,” The American Psychological Association reports.

1. Better cognitive performance in kids

A study of nearly 2,000 children found that those who reported playing video games for three hours per day or more performed better on cognitive skills tests involving impulse control and working memory compared to children who had never played video games. In general, games that require problem-solving, quick thinking, and spatial awareness contribute to sharper minds. The American Psychological Association says that “The more adolescents reported playing strategic video games, such as role-playing games, the more they improved in problem solving and school grades the following year, according to a long-term study published in 2013.”

2. social skills and mental health for gamers

One of the primary reasons video games are good for teens is that they help gamers connect with others. That’s because, contrary to the solitary gamer stereotype, video game playing nowadays is highly social. Online multiplayer games allow your kids to collaborate with friends or make new ones from around the world. Team-based games foster communication, teamwork, and coordination – essential social skills for today’s interconnected world. The truth is, today’s adolescents are lonelier than kids were in previous generations, and being a gamer who can connect with kids via a headset and collaborative game might be just the thing for some kids to fight that feeling of isolation.

And don’t just trust our word for it! Time Magazine reports that “in a survey of 900 people in 45 countries who play online multiplayer role-playing games… approximately three-quarters of both male and female respondents reported making good friends while playing games.” Especially when so many kids were isolated as Covid-19 spread around the globe in 2020, video games were many kids’ lifeline to the outside world.

3. Improved sensory and motor skills

Studies have shown that playing action video games, which require accuracy and quick reactions, leads to improved hand-eye coordination. A study by Dr. James Rosser Jr. suggests that video games may be a practical teaching tool to help train surgeons. The study showed that playing video games before surgery helped surgeons reduce errors and complete the operation faster than their peers who did not play video games prior to the surgery. Who knew screen time could help mold the doctors of tomorrow?!

4. Expanded Creativity

Video games are not just about following a pre-determined storyline. Many games on the internet offer creative modes that encourage players to build, design, and express themselves artistically. From constructing elaborate structures to crafting unique characters, gaming can be a canvas for your kid’s imagination. And when they can create, they often feel better about themselves, which means gamers may see an improvement in their mental health.

How You Can Forge Strong Parent-Child Bonds Through Gaming

As we know technology can serve as a bridge in connecting people, and so can video games. A statistic from ESA’s report showed that 77% of parents are now joining their kids in playing video games.

Dr. Sinem Siyahhan, an assistant research professor of educational technology at Cal State San Marcos, has delved into the transformative power of video games in enhancing parent-child connections. According to her, games can shift from being sources of conflict to avenues of conversation. By participating in your child’s gaming world, you not only show interest in their hobbies but also create a space for meaningful interactions. Dr. Siyahhan encourages parents to seize the opportunity to foster relationships while making the most of learning and growth.

By actively participating in your teen’s gaming hobby, you not only become a part of their interests and tap into a unique opportunity for connection and growth but also ensure they’re harnessing the positive potential of technology. Here are some ideas on how you and your teen can bond through video games.

Learn new things and practice managing emotions together.

Embrace games as learning tools and encourage your kids to be active learners by digging deeper into the game’s educational aspects e.g. learning more about a specific time period of the game you are playing. Additionally, you can use the games as conversation starters to discuss in-game experiences and help them manage their emotions when they get frustrated or can’t complete a level while playing. Helping kids become active learners while managing their emotions are two key reasons why, despite the bad rap they often get, video games actually are good for teens.

Engage in cooperative gameplay and problem solving with your teen.

Many video games offer cooperative modes where players work together towards a shared goal. Choose games that require collaboration, strategizing, and problem solving. This not only encourages teamwork and fosters a sense of accomplishment but also provides an avenue for you and your child to solve challenges and celebrate achievements together.

Plus, any time we exercise—especially with our kids—we’re doing something good for our bodies while connecting as a family unit. And the brain is a muscle that needs to workout! “The brain is a muscle and can be built up with exercise,” Sutter Health explains. “The combination of concentration and neurotransmitter surges when playing games helps to strengthen neural circuits, giving the brain a real workout.”

Rotate the controller (and help improve your teen gamer’s mental health).

Also another way video games are good for teens, especially when their parents join in the fun, is that we can give them a little bit of control—and what teen doesn’t want that? When playing together, don’t shy away from handing over the controller to your child. Allow them to take the lead and teach you how to play. This role reversal not only empowers your child but also creates a sense of equality and mutual respect. Dr. Siyahhan says, “When children know all the game’s mechanics and can teach an adult, that makes them proud, and they feel that what they are doing is valuable.”

Create gaming traditions with your teen.

Set aside designated times for gaming sessions as a family. Whether it’s a weekend afternoon or a special occasion, these shared experiences can become cherished memories. Also, involve your child in selecting games. This not only ensures you’re comfortable with the content but also lets your child take an active role in decision-making.

The ideas we’ve shared are a great place to start in turning internet screen time into quality time. For a more structured approach, you can try a program called Start-at-Home Esports Training Program by the Esports Coaching Academy, where you and your teen can run through guided in-game exercises/drills for the popular game called Rocket League. The self-paced video-on-demand program is meant to introduce the concept of organized esports training as a way to manage and start a conversation around the gaming hobby by empowering you to take the first steps at home.

As technology continues to evolve, video games remain a dynamic medium that bridges gaps, fosters connection, and unlocks various cognitive and emotional benefits. So, the next time you see your teen immersed in video games and are questioning the benefits of screen time, remember that gaming offers more than meets the eye – it’s a world where wellness, learning, and meaningful connections come to life. However, as a parent, you must establish limits on screen time and find other enriching activities to ensure a healthy balance.

Parenting teens and tweens is a hard job, but you’re not alone. These posts may help you navigate parenting in a digital world:

10 Simple Ways Parents Can Help Their Teens with Executive Function Skills

Video Games and Cyberbullying Go Hand in Hand–Here’s How to Address It

Snapchat—Why Kids Love It And What Parents Need to Know

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Are Video Games Good for Teens? The Answer Might Surprise You

Gaming Goes Beyond the Screen