There's no denying that kids adore video games, but are esports good for them?
They certainly are!
Experts agree that the advantages of esports are numerous and expanding in tandem with this exciting field.
Kids can learn and grow through #esports in addition to thrilling competitions, the opportunity to capitalize on a favorite hobby, and joining amazing gaming communities worldwide.
It's really no mystery that online gaming is advantageous in a variety of ways, and even young talent can benefit from the educational benefits of #Minecraft and #Roblox, to name a few, so let's look at how youngsters can benefit from entering the esports arena!
The Advantages of Esports
Kids and teens can enjoy the benefits of esports while expanding their repertoire of tech skills and exploring potential careers, from getting a foot in the door at prestigious gaming companies to increased cognitive acuity and coordination.
(Because research into this field is still relatively new, this list is bound to grow over time, much like the billion-dollar industry that esports has become.)
Effective Group Skill Sets
If you're wondering how esports can help you develop life skills, consider this: teamwork and communication are essential for high-level success. Just like on any sports team!
Yes, the best esports teams practice and develop complementary skill sets aimed at maximizing the potential of each player. Though individual esports exist, the team element should not be overlooked or underestimated.
Educators across the country are beginning to recognize gaming's collaborative potential. Furthermore, children can view it as a leadership opportunity to learn sportsmanship outside of the traditional setting of a court, track, or field, and reap the benefits in an area of genuine interest to them.
Teamwork and Flexibility Have Improved
As with most gaming research, there are pros and cons for all players to consider. However, studies show that participating in esports leagues can improve manual dexterity, which is unquestionably beneficial in our digital age.
More research reveals the intricate necessary arrangements to achieve a high level of competition. Esports can help children improve their hand-eye coordination skills, and as a lifelong clumsy person, I can honestly say that playing more video #games as a child may have helped.
Good Career Options
Design students, gamers, influencers, and engineers, rejoice! There are numerous professional applications for exceptional gaming abilities.
By truly comprehending the intricacies of some of the most popular games available, children gain a valuable understanding of how to design and potentially market new products—something that major corporations such as EA, Nintendo, and Microsoft highly value.
Esports is a launching pad for some of the most dynamic careers in the booming, $35 billion gaming industry, from game testers to QA engineers and graphic artists.
Enhanced Brain Activity
That's correct! And it makes sense: video games can be like mental workouts, and many brain functions are like muscles. Perfect practice makes perfect.
One study showed that Super Mario players' brains had much more grey matter, which in itself is essential for cognitive performance and memory skills. Further studies have been carried out into gaming's helpful potential on specific regions of the brain, in addition to the skill to enhance and improve issue skills.
While scientists agree that more research is needed to fully understand the cognitive effects of gaming, particularly competitive gaming, the preliminary findings are encouraging!
Improves School Culture
A key takeaway from a year of virtual learning is that children require peer connections in order to thrive. And, while traditional K-12 settings frequently provide enrichment activities in sports and the arts, there is plenty of room for growth in the STEM field!
The current state of STEM education reflects a lack of opportunities to develop key digital literacy skills at a young age. Computer science is the fastest-growing field in the STEM family, and children need both opportunities and engaging ways to develop their technological skills.
What better way to begin than with esports? Aside from the numerous advantages of working with and practicing in groups, there are a variety of esports #tournaments and other STEM competitions available to children that provide excellent motivation (and often seriously cool prizes).
Because not all parents understand the term "gamer," and it can be difficult to know exactly how kids are connecting online at home, esports school clubs are an excellent way to cultivate gaming skills in a safe, supportive environment.
At iD Tech, we've seen firsthand how important it is for kids to connect with peers who share their passions and interests, and by bringing an esports club to your child's school, those connection opportunities can grow!
Tends to Result in a Passion for Stem
What is strategic thinking? Check. Problem-solving creativity under duress? 100%.
If these abilities sound transferable, that's because they are. They are essential in today's most exciting and in-demand tech careers. Not only is esports a worthwhile endeavor in and of itself, but it also intersects with other fascinating areas of STEM.
Perhaps your child's love of game art inspires them to create their own, or the statistical aspect of esports piques their interest in data science and programming. Building on the games your child already enjoys can help spark an interest in STEM.
So, why delay? Esports could be the key to your child's next technological adventure. If you agree, you should check out our esports summer camps, Overwatch coaching, and/or our new Rocket League courses.
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