Electronic Games at Home: Wellbeing and Boundaries

Evrim Ulusoy, Psychologist

Did you know that 21st century skills include technology, creativity, critical thinking and communication, and can be practiced in game play? Online games and electronic devices are all around us, and can be used to occupy ourselves when we are seeking excitement or new learning experiences. On the other hand, they can also be used as a maladaptive coping mechanism to escape from distressing feelings. The recommended guidelines by the Department of Health for gaming/screen time in children aged 5 to 12 years old is a maximum of two hours per day.
 
Things to consider about your child’s engagement in game play

• What is the classification of the game?
• Is the game beneficial for my child? (i.e., fun, strategy based, creative, social)
• Are time limits in place and is the environment safe (including the online environment)?
• Am I concerned about my child’s emotional health, wellbeing and social interactions?
• Does my child seem to have the need to play more and more?
• Is my child showing aggressive behaviours or sleeping problems?​​

Helpful points for a good bedtime routine, fun and safe interactions, exercising the brain and body

• Negotiating family rules for online safety/game play
• Allowing time for exercise (at least one hour/day)
• Movement breaks during game play
• Selecting cooperative and collaborative games
• Dimming the lights and the screens at night
• Engaging in a calming activity half an hour before bed

Setting boundaries for electronic game play

It is valuable for parents to set boundaries from the beginning with their child using a child-focused approach to communication. This will help your child to develop insight into their thoughts and feelings during game play, and empower them to make their own decisions with consideration of family rules for game play.

• Approach your child with a calm voice and acknowledge their feelings around game play. For example, “I can see that this game is fun and exciting for you and that you want to play some more”. If you child seems to feel distressed or is being resistant, it may be helpful to comment about feelings, “I know it is disappointing that you cannot have more time to play this game”.
• Next, communicate the limit “You can choose to play one more round or you can pack it away now”.
• Finally, negotiate acceptable alternatives, “You can have some time for outdoor play or you can help cut up veggies for dinner”.

My top 5 favourite fun and social games for families

1. Super Mario Bros: take part in an adventure with Mario and friends in multiplayer mode. You need to hang together and help each other out to get to the next level.
2. Mario Kart: find a play partner and race together in different worlds, learn to navigate your way around barriers, obstacles and keep an eye on each other on the race track!
3. Just Dance: just dance gets you moving, laughing and learning! Suitable for young children, teens and adults.
4. Wii Sports: choose a favourite sport or learn to play a new sport. Just make sure you have enough room in the house to stretch out your muscles and avoid any collisions with team members.
5. Guitar Hero World Tour: gather up the band and learn to play some tunes! Get into teams and take turns playing different musical instruments.

Evrim Ulusoy

Evrim Ulusoy is a psychologist at Hopscotch and Harmony, and her work involves play-based therapeutic interventions with preschool aged and primary school aged children. Evrim provides a supportive and engaging environment for children to share their challenges and the impact on their personal wellbeing and relationships. Call 9741 5222 to make an appointment with Evrim at Hopscotch & Harmony's Werribee practice.