Child psychologist Daniyar Arenov reminds us that the impact of video games on children's mental health is not straightforward. It depends on age, genre, duration, sleep quality, and family rules. Scientific evidence confirms this 'gray zone': for some children, games help train attention and problem-solving skills, while for others, they increase fatigue and interfere with sleep and school performance. Professional recommendations advise not to demonize games, but to manage the context: select appropriate content, limit playtime (especially before bedtime), and involve adults in discussions about what and how the child is playing (American Academy of Pediatrics).
What Science Says: Balancing Risks and Benefits
Potential Benefits
Meta-analyses show that some genres (especially fast-paced and attention-demanding ones) are linked to small but reproducible improvements in cognitive skills — from visuospatial processing to cognitive flexibility. The effect is modest and depends on study quality, but it does exist and is stronger in a training context rather than in uncontrolled 'time-killing' play (Technology, Mind, and Behavior — meta-analysis).
Risk Zones
The main threats are sleep disruption and displacement of other activities. Recent sleep research shows that late-night screen time and emotionally arousing content make it harder to fall asleep, reduce sleep duration, and fragment children's sleep, which in turn affects daytime attention and mood. Another issue is gaming disorder: WHO classifies it as a disorder in ICD-11, but emphasizes that it applies to a small proportion of players and requires significant impairment in daily functioning for at least 12 months (WHO, ICD-11).
How to Build a Healthy Media Diet
Rules That Work
- Family media plan. Define 'where, when, and how much' — total screen time, screen-free zones (at the table, in the bedroom), and prioritize sleep and homework. AAP recommends a flexible plan developed with the child and adjusted as they grow.
- Content matters more than minutes. Cooperative, creative, and educational games provide more opportunities for skill development and family value discussions.
- 'Sleep traffic light.' In the 60–90 minutes before bedtime, choose only calm activities: books, board games, quiet conversations. Remove screens from bedrooms — this lowers the risk of chronic sleep deprivation.
- Shared play and feedback. Play together occasionally: ask 'what do you like about this game?', 'what does it teach?', agree on breaks and finishing levels before pausing.
Red Flags
Seek professional advice if gaming consistently replaces sleep, school, meals, and social interaction; if irritability increases outside of gaming; if secrecy and conflicts over screen access arise; and if attempts at agreements repeatedly fail. Remember: the diagnosis of 'gaming disorder' is about prolonged and severe dysfunction, not about enthusiasm for gaming itself (WHO).
Bottom Line: 'Not a Ban, but Guidance'
Experts and research data agree: games are a tool. In a healthy routine, they can support motivation and certain cognitive skills; with late-night sessions and no rules, they increase risks of fatigue, sleep problems, and conflicts. Parental involvement, clear boundaries, and respectful dialogue are what transform gaming from a stress source into a manageable part of childhood.
Disclaimer: This material is for informational and educational purposes only and does not replace professional advice from a pediatrician, psychologist, or psychiatrist. If persistent sleep problems, sudden academic decline, mood deterioration, or safety risks occur, consult a qualified specialist.