The Impact of Electronic Games on Children's Mental Health
تأثير الألعاب الإلكترونيَّة في الصحَّة النَّفسيَّة للأطفال
Abstract
The study aimed to identify the potential effects of using electronic games by children on their mental health. The descriptive inductive research method was used, by referring to a number of reference studies on the subject, and by reviewing the results of those studies, the number of which reached (26) reference studies, directed at children in the age groups from (3) to (13) years, it was found that: the use of electronic games based on violent content, or excessive maladaptive play, by children leaves negative effects that harm their mental health, most notably isolation, introversion, anxiety, depression, a feeling of psychological loneliness, and the occurrence of some psychological disorders, in addition to severe cases of addiction that may lead to committing crimes against oneself or others. As for the use of educational electronic games according to the controls of the timing of use and the standards based on it, it has a positive effect on children's mental health, such as psychological relief, increased self-confidence, a feeling of happiness, and the result of increased achievement and motivation. Accordingly, the researcher recommended raising awareness among families, children's parents, and their teachers in kindergartens and schools about the risks of children using some electronic games on their mental health, spreading awareness about the safe use of smart devices by children, and conducting more local studies on children's mental health due to its great importance in light of current changes.
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