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The Influence of Video Games on Behavioral Patterns of Children in Private Schools of Lahore
Rafey Afzal
Abstract:
This research is about how video games affect the behaviour of primary school children who study in private schools in Lahore. As digital learning became more prevalent during and after the COVID-19 pandemic, children's access to electronic devices and gaming platforms has increased significantly, which has caused some concerns about the behaviour of children. Using a mixed-methods approach, the study combines quantitative survey data from 51 students, qualitative insights from three gaming-industry experts, and structured behavioural observation of one child. The results show that most children are engaged in long hours of gaming, often more than five hours per day, and they are strongly inclined towards violent or competitive game genres. Among the frequently reported behavioural changes are frustration, irritability, decreased self-regulation, and difficulty in stopping the game. The research results indicate that excessive and unsupervised gaming is linked to aggressive behaviour, lack of academic focus, and addictive behaviours, although gaming may have some cognitive and recreational benefits. The study calls for parental monitoring, informed digital practices, and policy interventions as a means of ensuring that children develop balanced and healthy gaming habits.
Keywords:
Keywords: Video Games, Education, Digital Technology, Child Behavior, Covid-19 Pandemic.
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