I Used to Let My Kids Play Video Games for Hours, but These 15 Facts Changed My Mind

I used to be more relaxed about video games than I probably should have been. If my kids were happy, quiet, and entertained, it was easy to let one more level turn into another hour. Like a lot of parents, I saw gaming as a harmless way for them to unwind, especially on weekends, during school breaks, or when I just needed a little peace in the house.

But the more I looked into long gaming sessions, the more I realized that balance matters. Too much screen time can affect sleep, mood, physical activity, attention, and family routines, especially when gaming starts replacing outdoor play, homework, chores, or face-to-face time with friends. This list breaks down 15 facts that made me rethink how much time my kids spend gaming and why setting limits can help children enjoy video games without letting them take over the day.

According to research, your child could perform poorly in school if they spend an excessive amount of time in front of the screen playing games. In this study, they found that less screen time resulted in better scores in math. Also, more time spent outside playing meant that the kids did better in gym and other physical classes. Keep that in mind. A solution may be to allow video games only during the weekend.

Your kids will face many issues during their childhood, and they need to know how to deal with problems when they come around. This is one of the reasons why I don't let my kids play video games freely. Because they also need to be out in the world to learn how to solve their problems. If they don't ever get out of the house, they may be in for a rude awakening. If your child comes to you with a problem, help them solve it in a healthy way.

The more your kids play video games, the more immersed they'll be in the gameplay and the expansive worlds. These days, there are open-world games that include players from all over the world. While it can be helpful to communicate online, it's not the same as being out in the world. Kids who are bullied at school may escape to games. If you let them stay there, they may never get out in the world and form real and meaningful relationships.

During the 1990s, it was popular for politicians to talk about how dangerous video games were because they would make kids act out violently. While the jury is still out on that, there is the possibility that kids could be exposed to toxic environments. Some video games, like Grand Theft Auto, are full of violence, language, and tough characters. It is possible that your child could model their behavior after those characters. Just be watchful.

As video games become more advanced, the characters look more real than they ever did before. On top of that, many game characters are over the top. They may be over-sexualized or be portrayed as action heroes. There's nothing wrong with having a cool gaming character, but kids may think that's how people act in the real world. 

I used to let my kids play video games freely until I realized that they never came out of their rooms. They would sit in there for hours. They'd maybe come down for dinner, but then go back up and continue playing. As a result, I wasn't able to talk to them as much as I wanted to, and that could be a problem. What if they're having trouble at school or they're having trouble with friends? How would I know, and how would I help? Think about that if you've seen it happening.

For years, there has been talk about whether video games cause depression. One study completed by the National Library of Medicine found that long-term exposure to games and screens could result in mental health issues. While this won't be the case for everyone, it's something to watch.

When your kids sit for a long period of time day after day, the chances of eventually becoming obese are real. The reason is that they're not getting up and getting active. Plus, there's a higher chance that when they do eat, they're eating junk food. Obesity is possible for anyone who sits for long periods of time, even adults who sit behind a computer at work. So, be a good role model for your kids. Get up and move around.

Anyone who stares at a screen for too long is eventually going to have eye issues, even if it's just eye strain. Televisions, computer monitors, and cell phone screens are all bad if you overdo it. That's why experts recommend you do the 20-20-20 method. That's where you stop every 20 minutes to look at an object 20 feet away for at least 20 seconds. Recommend that your kids do the same.

People of all ages who look at a screen for long periods of time, especially at a desk, may experience a turtle neck. That is when the shoulders are always slumped, and the neck is at an angle as you look forward. Over time, this position can lead to spine and posture issues that can cause other ailments down the road.

I used to let my kids play video games freely, until I heard about Quervain's Tenosynovitis. That is a thumb pain also known as "gamer's thumb." It is when the tendons in the thumb become inflamed due to repetitive movements and holding a controller. We use our hands for so much; don't let your child have issues with their hands at a young age.

You don't need to play sports to get tennis elbow. You just need to do repetitive movements for a long period of time. Tennis elbow, also known as Lateral Epicondylitis, is an ailment where the tendons in the elbow become inflamed and overloaded, and it can cause pain. Holding a controller and engaging in repetitive movements can be a culprit.

Similar to tennis elbow, young people who constantly play video games can also begin to experience carpal tunnel syndrome at a young age. If your child complains of tingling, numbness, or weakness in their wrists and hands, then they may need to take more breaks between playing sessions so the issue doesn't get worse.

Most people enjoy playing video games because of what happens in the brain during certain seasons. When you beat a boss or a level, your brain releases dopamine, which gives you pleasure. If your kids are constantly playing games, then their bodies may become dependent on dopamine. It can get to a point where your kids won't have fun or find enjoyment in anything other than gaming. So, have them take breaks and enjoy a different hobby from time to time.

One of the lesser-known reasons why I don't let my kids play video games freely is the possibility of dehydration. When kids play games for hours on end without adult supervision, they can forget the simple things, like taking a break to eat or get a drink. As a result, they may start to get dehydrated, which can lead to other issues, like headaches. Your brain also doesn't function properly if you don't drink enough water.