In today’s world, technology is dominant over everything in our lives; mobile gaming is one such example. The availability of smartphones with ample storage capacity and high-speed internet made it possible for us to download and play games. All such kinds of accessibilities made gaming quite popular among teenagers.
However, due to over-indulgence in gaming and a lack of concentration, teenagers divert from their career paths. Consequently, it gives rise to anxiety and tension among their parents, educators and the teenagers themselves. Nonetheless, there are several possible ways to create a balance between fun and education. In this blog, we will explore the use of mobile gaming by teenagers and discuss ways to create a balance.
Also read: What Is Mobile Gaming & What Are The Best Mobile Games?
The Evolution of Mobile Gaming for Teenagers
Mobile gaming has evolved a lot since the days when people used to play basic games like “Snake Xenzia” on Nokia phones. These days, teenagers have access to plenty of games having different genres, and catering to distinct audiences.
Mobile games range from shooting games and car racing games to puzzles and educational games. All these games not only are a source of entertainment and joy but also help us learn new things and enhance our reasoning skills.
The gaming market is full of the best Android games and the best iOS games as well. Doesn’t matter which mobile device you use, if you have a smartphone you have access to a sea of games.
Fun and Entertainment
Mobile games are a great source of amusement, they offer a wide range of ways to entertain yourself. Furthermore, these games are known to provide you with relaxation. Games like “PUBG-Mobile”, “Free Fire” and “Call of Duty Mobile” not only provide thrilling experiences to teenagers but also help them have social interactions and compete with players all around the world.
All such games allow teenagers to relax, connect with friends, and have pleasure.
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Educational Games
Although we see gaming as a way to entertain and enjoy, there are plenty of games which are quite helpful in education. All such games are called educational games. These games aim to make learning playful, entertaining and enjoyable by covering syllabi or topics through gameplay.
Apps like Duolingo, QuizUp, Khan Academy, etc. have become popular amongst young learners who choose a fun way to learn things.
The Benefits of Mobile Gaming for Teenagers
There are many benefits of mobile gaming for teenagers, such as:
Skill Development
Some games require planning, strategy building, problem-solving, and decision-making; by playing such games teenagers can develop these skills.
Further, by practising skill-based games, one can become perfect in any particular skill. For example- In a PUBG mobile game, if a player has good reflexes, he could become a sniper for his team.
Meanwhile, good reflexes are essential as they help many times in life.
Creativity and Imagination
Games like “Roblox” and “Minecraft” help you be more creative and come up with great ideas. Moreover, these games give you a way to show your creativity by building your structure and expressing your skills through virtual tools.
Social Interaction
Online mobile games like PUBG, Free Fire, and Fortnite, allow players to interact with each other through chats and voice conversations. Also, you can make friends and play with them to build a great team.
In the gameplay, teenagers’ virtual interactions with different people will help them develop social skills, learn teamwork and improve their communication skills.
Learning Through Play
Subjects like Maths and Physics are hated by students because they get bored easily. Whereas, learning becomes easy through interactive games which makes it easier for students to understand concepts through gameplay and winning challenges. In this way, they can learn, play and have a great experience.
Stress Relief
Due to pressure from parents, educators and peers, teenagers can often feel stressed.
Gaming provides relief from a busy life. Teenagers work as stress relievers as they provide a way to escape from stress, anxiety and tension.
The Potential Downsides Of Mobile Gaming
While mobile gaming brings advantages to the teenagers, it also has potential downsides as well:
Excessive Screen Time
Due to excessive indulgence in mobile gaming, your screen time increases drastically making you feel fatigued and exhausted. Moreover, excessive screen time may damage your eyesight and can lead to various health issues.
Moreover, increased screen time affects your sleep patterns, and decreases physical activity. Therefore, it is always advisable to limit your screen time.
In-app purchases
Nowadays, most games offer in-app purchases as they form a major part of their revenue. Incessant spending on in-app purchases can make you financially unstable. In the case of teenagers, they can create serious financial issues for their parents as not all teenagers earn and remain dependent.
Parental control is a solution to prevent teenagers from spending on in-app purchases. Moreover, one can educate teenagers about responsible spending.
Privacy and Safety
In online multiplayer games like Free Fire and PUBG Mobile, teenagers get exposed to strangers, which might create safety and privacy issues. If you educate them about the potential dangers and online safety stay away from sharing personal information.
Addiction
Gaming is so addictive as it provides you joy, in return your body releases endorphins and other hormones making you happy. Excessive indulgence can negatively affect teenagers impacting their academic records and social relationships. In such cases, it is better to take them to a counsellor or seek expert advice.
Related reading- 5 WAYS TO QUIT GAMING ADDICTION & Gaming Addiction: How To Overcome It?
Academic Balance
Excessive gaming can divert your attention from your education, impacting your academic performance badly. Therefore, it becomes important for teenagers to balance gaming and academics.
Striking the Right Balance
Creating a balance between mobile gaming and education requires a considerate approach, some of which can be:
Setting Screen Time Limits
Set up clear and strict guidelines for teenagers to limit their screen time, therefore, playing mobile games for a limited amount of time. Furthermore, ensure that they do important tasks like doing physical activities, studies and family interactions.
Prioritise Quality Games
Playing every game is not good for teenagers, it is advisable to play games that combine both entertainment and educational values. Furthermore, if your teenager wants to play games only for fun then limit the game time so that their studies don’t get affected.
Encourage Offline Activities
Encourage your teen to not only play mobile games but also indulge in offline activities like reading books, playing sports, social interactions, etc.
Parental Involvement
As a parent, it is your responsibility to stay close to your child and play along with them. When your teenager plays a game, sit with him, discuss the game, support him and guide him on different things.
Teach Responsible Gaming
Educate your child about responsible gaming which includes setting limits, interacting with appropriate content and practising good behaviour while playing multiplayer games.
Shreya Bhatt