This is one of the few times when playing video games is actually good for your kids.
And no, I’m not kidding.
A pilot study, conducted in Boston Children’s Hospital, has shown that kids with anger problems had reduced anger scores after playing a video game called RAGE Control, for only 5 times.
Although it sounds rather absurd to teach children a life skill such as calming down through technology, there is absolutely nothing unnatural about this new-found method.
I know you need proof to believe me, so let me help you understand.
The Study
Researchers worked with children, aged 9 to 17, who had high levels of anger and normal I.Q levels. The latter was then divided into 2 groups.
Both groups were given standard anger treatments (e.g. social skills training, relaxation techniques, and cognitive-behavioral therapy) for a total of 5 business days.
However, the first group was allowed to play the video game for 15 minutes each day, as part of their treatment.
The Game
Are you curious about why this game was effective at reducing anger in children?
The game is a classic and simple shooting game that requires players to shoot at enemy spaceships.
But, there’s nothing simple about what comes next.
While playing, a finger monitor kept track of a participant’s heart rate, which was displayed on the computer screen.
Whenever the player’s heart rate went up, he was unable to shoot. This meant that players had to lower their heart rate–by calming down–to win. If not, they risked losing.
And really, what kid wants to lose?
The game actually uses the old positive reinforcement trick wrapped in a fun package. If a child wants to win, he has to calm himself down.
There are two additional benefits here. The game…
- Encourages the real-life application of self-regulation, and
- Provides an effective solution to this problem: children refusing to attend psychotherapy sessions to help them curb anger
Now do you believe me?
I could only hope so.
Although you won’t see me encouraging parents to let children play video games (click here to find out why), I have no qualms about recommending this particular video game. That’s if it ever arrives in the Philippines.
After all, RAGE Control flawlessly integrates two things I truly believe in: positive reinforcement and teaching kids how to regulate emotions in a FUN manner.
About Anne Mercado
Interesting. Being kids that they are, I think it’s not too difficult to encourage them to play video games. The problem here is if they get addicted…
Hi Stef! Agree with you on the addictive component of video games, however, that’s where playing restrictions come in. Thanks for you comment and I hope to see you more here.
Even if there’s no study to prove it, it still makes sense. As an adult when I am angry, I engross myself in reading forums or books just to divert my energy/attention. So for kids, it’s games.
But as children get older, maybe parents could add anger management options that will also work for their kiddos =)
OT: I bumped into a parenting blog and noticed that it has the same logo as yours. Then out of curiosity I searched for other parenting blogs, and true enough, you all have “G” logo’s! Amazing! =D
Baby Carnival: A Pre-Christmas Bazaar
That’s what’s great about the video game used in the study: it helps kids manage anger by teaching them to calm down.
that’s a nice post. honestly, i have nothing against kids playing video games. for me, every child is different..one may like to play in the street, one likes to play basketball and the other may want to play video games. it’s just a matter of interest. so it’s just great that there’s a game that actually help kinds manage their anger. it might change the views of of some parents.
Ocean Unit Study And Our First Sensory Bin
Hi Cha! What you said is so true: every child is different. And that includes their interests. I suppose I’m just not one to encourage children to play video games–unless it’s this one.
I’m not really sure about this. Kids need parental guidance even with this kind of games. For me, what kids care about is the exhilaration of the shooting. I don’t think they can discern right away the noble purpose of the game. So in this case they have already develop the likes for violence before any discernment will occur.
Go Green for our kid’s sake!
Hi Mitchelle. That’s a great comment. I actually thought of the game as quite harmless because I imagine it to be similar to the old Galaga game by Namco. Not really on the violent side, say like Contra or Grand Theft Auto. Although, I do see your point. Perhaps it would have been better if it were a different type of game.
I’d always used video games to get my kids interested in IT some 15 years ago. With proper supervision, parents can help kids manage anger through many games, not just the kind you mentioned. Getting too engrossed however, can sometimes lead to frustrations especially when the PC is winning most times. I’d say parents need to find the right balance and approach to every technique there is.
Kitchen Skills Can Make Sons Better Men
Twitter: ordinarytips
Hi Noir. You know, up until I read your message, I did not really see video games, in general, as a tool for managing anger. I suppose it’s because the particular one in the study makes it easier for both children and parents–easy for children to understand what’s required to win (i.e. calming down), and easy for parents to help support kids to do this through the game.
Supervision is crucial, too. I agree with you there. Especially since children have to understand that they can’t win all the time. Jenny from MyMommyology.com actually wrote a guest post about teaching kids to lose with dignity. That should help when kids become frustrated with losing.
i disagree. beliefs need to change for behaviors to change for the long-term…
Hi Judith! Interesting point you’ve made there. What beliefs in particular must be changed?
That’s a great way to teach kids to control their temper. That’s why I don’t want Jacob to watch any violent shows, may it be cartoons or movies, so that he doesn’t have anything to ‘copy’. I hope I can be successful in teaching him how to be open about his feelings so that he can express himself better.
Wordless Wednesday: 10/31/12
Twitter: mrjacobsmom
Teaching kids to express themselves is best a great lesson to impart. It’s one that most of us were not taught as children.