Video games may often have a reputation as being detrimental to the social development of children. However, research suggests that there may be a number of social benefits for children who play video games.

Improved Communication Skills

Many video games require players to communicate with others in order to complete missions or to work together as a team. Games that encourage teamwork can improve a child’s communication skills by encouraging them to collaborate with others.

Increased Empathy

Some video games involve players taking on the roles of characters in order to complete their quests or mission.

In doing so, players are able to see things from a different perspective, and are often confronted with situations that require empathy and understanding in order to move forward. As a result, playing video games can potentially increase a child’s ability to empathize with others.

Children who play video games often have opportunities to interact with others online or in-person during gaming sessions. This can help to develop important social skills such as communication, cooperation, and negotiation.

These skills can be particularly beneficial for children who may struggle with social interactions in the real world.

Encourages Positive Relationships

Video games have the ability to bring people from all over the world together in a shared virtual space. This can help to promote positive relationships by connecting people who share similar interests and hobbies.

Children who may not have many friends in the real world may find a sense of community and acceptance within certain gaming circles.

Inspires Creativity

Many video games encourage players to think creatively in order to solve problems or complete missions. This can be particularly beneficial for children who may be struggling with creative expression or critical thinking skills.

Games that encourage creativity can help children to develop their own unique identities and may inspire them to pursue creative endeavors in other areas of their life.

Builds Self-Esteem

Video games have the ability to make players feel capable and accomplished as they progress through levels or complete difficult challenges. This can be particularly helpful for children who may struggle with low self-esteem or self-confidence.

Feeling competent in a virtual setting can help to boost a child’s self-esteem and may translate to increased confidence in the real world.

Encourages Healthy Competition

Many video games involve competition, which can be a healthy way for children to learn how to win and lose gracefully.

Playing video games competitively can also help children develop resilience and learn how to deal with disappointment in a constructive manner. Encouraging healthy competition can help children learn important life skills and prepare them for future challenges.

Games that require players to work together or to negotiate with others can help to teach important social problem-solving skills.

Children who play video games with others may learn how to navigate social conflicts, how to compromise, and how to work towards a common goal. These skills can be invaluable for children as they grow and develop into adults who must work and collaborate with others on a daily basis.

Encourages Multicultural Awareness

Because video games have the ability to connect people from all over the world, children who play video games may develop an increased awareness of different cultures and perspectives.

Exposure to different cultures can help children develop a more global view of the world and may help to promote empathy and understanding for people from all walks of life.

Can Provide a Safe Haven

For some children, video games can provide a safe haven from the stresses and challenges of the real world. Games that allow players to create their own world or to escape to a virtual realm can provide a sense of comfort and security.

This can be particularly important for children who may be dealing with anxiety or other mental health challenges.