Esports nowadays is a popular and rapidly developing field. Major tournaments with multimillion-dollar prize pools attract tens of millions of viewers worldwide. Professional esports players earn hundreds of thousands of dollars and become popular and recognizable figures. It’s not surprising that many children dream of following in their footsteps. In addition to the competitions themselves, betting on esports also generates significant interest. Bookmakers, such as Melbet Ethiopia App, offer mobile applications for betting, including on esports events. However, the question remains: is esports beneficial for children or is it merely harmful addiction?
Impact on mental health
Psychologists point out the possible negative effects of computer games on the psyche of children and adolescents. Some believe that games help relieve emotional tension, while others argue that they only bring harm. Many older adults are convinced that the violent plots of games impose an incorrect model of behavior.
However, scientists do not share such a categorical position. A fascination with games is not a problem but a way to escape from stressful situations. The time spent on games is necessary for skill development. Renowned esports player Adam Chakhaev believes that through games, a teenager can reveal leadership qualities that he/she is hesitant to display in real life. However, there is a risk of aggressive behavior from other players, especially for children with fragile psyches.
To cope with toxicity in games, resilience, a conscious approach, self-discipline, and emotional control are necessary. Without them, it is too early for a child to immerse themselves in esports. It is also necessary to be able to analyze defeats without falling into despondency. Constructive criticism should be accepted, while toxic outbursts should be ignored.
Psychologists’ concerns
Psychologists warn of potential harm to moral health when exceeding the recommended time limits for gaming. These boundaries are individual for each age group: if 20 minutes are recommended for seven-year-old children, they are wider for teenagers. When these limits are violated, it becomes difficult for the child to distinguish between virtual reality and reality, leading to aggression, depression, and apathy.
However, psychologists note that not all gamers suffer from gaming addiction. Reasons for its formation may include an unfavorable social environment, unstable psychological state, or predisposition to addictions. Children often use games as a way to escape from problems they are not willing to discuss with close people.
As for the influence of violent plots, aggressive behavior is more likely to be associated with a tolerant attitude toward it in the child’s environment rather than with the games themselves. Before imposing restrictions, it is important to determine the reasons for the child’s interest in esports.
Benefits of esports
While many grandparents fear the “infection” of computer games, doctors consider esports one of the safest and healthiest forms of sport with zero risk of injury. Studies show that computer games improve spatial thinking, develop visual memory, and slow down age-related decline in mental abilities.
Moreover, esports contributes to the cultivation of discipline, self-control, and self-esteem. A child feels effective, which positively affects other areas of their life. In several countries, computer games are used for training surgeons, soldiers, and pilots. Under the supervision of specialists, problems such as visual impairment, excess weight, and improper posture are addressed.
It is important to note that professional esports players spend much less time on games than amateur gamers. The key factor is moderation and control from parents. Children themselves are not inclined to limit their hobbies, so adults should set reasonable boundaries.
Considering the rapid development of technologies, parents should not prohibit children from esports but teach them to interact with it correctly. This new promising direction offers great opportunities for skill development, increased self-esteem, and even future professional realization. There’s no need to fear esports – it’s important to teach children how to interact with it properly.
Conclusion
In conclusion, it can be said that the harmfulness of esports for children is greatly exaggerated. With a moderate and controlled approach, it can become an excellent hobby and even a profession. The main thing is to create suitable conditions, monitor time frames, develop resilience, and foster a healthy attitude towards defeats.
Certainly, there are risks to mental health, especially in an unfavorable surrounding environment. However, with parental involvement and a sensible approach, the benefits of esports outweigh possible harm. This direction opens up new prospects for skill development, increased self-esteem, and even future professional realization. There’s no need to be afraid of esports – it’s important to teach children how to interact with it correctly.
An Occupational therapist, freelance content writer and more importantly a stay-at-home mom, Sara, like all other parents juggles her many roles. Her passion for writing combined with her professional expertise as an Occupational therapist (working with children with special needs) has helped her craft content specific to child health, wellness and learning skills. At present, Sara alternates her time between raising her two young children, and writing about what she knows best- children!
