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What are the recommended online video games for kids to play?
Apr 10, 2023
Cassius Rockwell
by Cassius Rockwell

The Benefits of Online Video Games for Kids: Why Parents Should Encourage Them

Online video games have become an important part of our lives and with the advancement of technology, they have become even more accessible to children. These games offer a range of benefits that can help your child develop in many ways. From improving their problem-solving skills to providing an outlet for creativity, the advantages of online video games cannot be ignored.

Develop Problem-Solving Skills

Online video games often require players to think quickly and use strategy to solve puzzles or complete levels. Through playing video games, children can develop their problem-solving skills, which can help them in other areas of life. This kind of problem-solving is valuable in school, as well as in the workplace.

Improve Concentration and Focus

When playing video games, children must stay focused and concentrate on the task at hand. This helps to increase their ability to stay focused and pay attention to detail. This can be very beneficial in the classroom, as it helps them to better retain information.

Encourage Creativity

Many video games offer players a wide range of customization options, from customizing characters to designing levels. This encourages children to be creative and come up with new ideas. This can help them to think outside the box, which is an important skill in the real world.

Improve Social Skills

Online video games often allow players to interact with others, which can help children develop their social skills. This can be a great way for children to make new friends and build relationships. This is an important skill that can help them in many aspects of life.

Increase Self-Confidence

When children are able to complete levels and puzzles in video games, they can gain a sense of accomplishment and build self-confidence. This can be beneficial in other areas of life, as they’ll be more likely to take on new challenges and be more confident in their own abilities.

10 Recommended Online Video Games for Kids That are Educational and Fun

Video games come in all shapes, sizes and genres, and no two games are the same. While there are some video games that are more violent or mature than others, there are also plenty of online video games for kids that are fun and educational. Here are 10 online video games that are perfect for kids and make learning fun.

1. Animal Jam

Animal Jam is a virtual world full of fun and educational activities for kids. The game allows kids to create their own animal avatar and explore the world, while learning about animals and nature. The game also features a variety of mini-games, puzzles and activities that help kids learn different skills.

2. Roblox

Roblox is an online multiplayer game where players can create their own virtual worlds. Kids can explore and play together in the game while they learn valuable coding and problem-solving skills. The game also features a variety of educational mini-games and activities.

3. Minecraft

Minecraft is an incredibly popular game that allows players to build their own virtual world. Kids can explore the world, build structures, mine for resources and craft items. The game also teaches kids about science, engineering and mathematics.

4. Starfall

Starfall is an online educational game designed to help kids learn to read. The game features a variety of mini-games and activities that help kids learn basic reading skills. The game also features fun stories and songs that help kids learn in a fun and interactive way.

5. ABCmouse

ABCmouse is an educational game for kids that helps them learn math, reading, science and other basic skills. The game features a variety of fun activities, mini-games and puzzles that help kids learn in a fun and interactive way. The game also includes educational videos and printables that help kids learn even more.

6. Funbrain

Funbrain is an online educational game for kids. The game features a variety of fun activities, mini-games and puzzles that help kids learn math, reading, science and other basic skills. The game also features a variety of fun stories and songs that help kids learn in an engaging way.

7. Prodigy

Prodigy is an online educational game designed to help kids learn math. The game features a variety of fun activities, mini-games and puzzles that help kids learn math in a fun and interactive way. The game also features a variety of fun stories and songs that help kids learn even more.

8. Reading Eggs

Reading Eggs is an online game designed to help kids learn to read. The game features a variety of fun activities, mini-games and puzzles that help kids learn basic reading skills. The game also includes educational videos and printables that help kids learn even more.

9. TypingClub

TypingClub is an online game designed to help kids learn to type. The game features a variety of fun activities, mini-games and puzzles that help kids learn how to type quickly and accurately. The game also includes educational videos and printables that help kids learn even more.

10. ABCya

ABCya is an online educational game designed to help kids learn math, reading, science and other basic skills. The game features a variety of fun activities, mini-games and puzzles that help kids learn in a fun and interactive way. The game also includes educational videos and printables that help kids learn even more.

How to Make Sure Your Child Is Safe When Playing Online Video Games

Parents want their children to be safe when playing online video games. But with the increasing popularity of gaming, parents need to be aware of the potential risks that come with online gaming. Here are a few tips for keeping your child safe when playing video games online.

Set Boundaries and Time Limits

One of the first steps to ensuring your child's safety while they are playing online video games is to set boundaries and time limits. Let your child know what type of games they are allowed to play, and how long they can play for. Make sure to be clear with your expectations and explain why these rules are in place. This will help ensure that your child is not spending too much time playing video games, and can help keep them away from games that are not age-appropriate.

Understand the Rating System

Another important step to ensuring your child's safety is to become familiar with the rating system for video games. Every video game has a rating assigned to it, and these ratings can help you determine which games are suitable for your child. For example, if a game is rated "T" for Teen, it means that the game may contain violence, language, and/or sexual content. It is important to be aware of these ratings so that you can make sure that your child is playing age-appropriate games.

Be Present When Your Child Is Playing

The best way to ensure your child's safety when playing online video games is to be present when they are playing. This will allow you to monitor their activity and make sure that they are playing age-appropriate games, as well as ensure that they are not engaging in any dangerous or inappropriate behavior. You can also take this opportunity to teach your child valuable lessons about online safety, such as not giving out personal information or talking to strangers.

Be Aware of In-Game Purchases

Many online video games have in-game purchases, such as extra lives or characters. It is important to be aware of these purchases and make sure that your child does not spend too much money on them. You should also make sure that your child does not give out any personal information when making these purchases, as this could lead to identity theft.

Use Parental Controls

Most online video game systems have parental controls that allow you to set limits for your child. These controls can be used to limit the amount of time your child can play, as well as block certain games or websites. You should also be aware of the chat features on many video game systems, as these can be used to communicate with strangers. By setting up parental controls, you can help ensure that your child is safe while they are playing online video games.

5 Tips for Finding the Best Online Video Games for Kids

Online video games are a great way for kids to have fun, but it can be hard to know which ones are best for them. With the ever-expanding selection of video games for kids, it can be challenging to decide which ones are age-appropriate and offer the best entertainment value. Fortunately, there are a few tips to help you find the best online video games for kids.

1. Check the Age Rating

When choosing a video game for your child, it's important to check the age rating. This will tell you whether the game is suitable for your child's age. Many video games are rated from 3+ to 18+, so it's important to ensure that the game you choose is age-appropriate.

2. Read Reviews

Reading reviews can be an invaluable tool when trying to decide which game to get for your child. Reviews can give you a better understanding of the game's content, gameplay, and overall value. This can help you make an informed decision about which game is best for your child.

3. Look at the Developer's History

Some developers are known for creating games that are more appropriate for kids than others. It can be helpful to look into the developer's history and see what kind of games they usually make. This can give you a better idea of whether the game is suitable for your child.

4. Look for Educational Games

There are many online video games that are designed to be educational as well as fun. These games can help to engage your child in learning while also providing them with an enjoyable experience. So, if you're looking for a game that is both educational and entertaining, it's worth looking into these types of games.

5. Ask Your Child What Games They Like

It's important to consider your child's opinion when choosing a video game for them. Ask them what games they like and what kind of games they would like to play. This can help you narrow down your choices and find the best game for your child.

With these tips, you can be sure to find the best online video games for kids. Remember to always check the age rating, read reviews, look at the developer's history, look for educational games, and ask your child what games they like. By following these tips, you can ensure that your child enjoys the best online video games available.