Teaching the internet to children from an early age has become a norm. Using the internet has become so intrinsic to children’s lives that parents must be responsible for choosing the right content for their kids. Luckily, there are many fun and educational games children can play and learn.
The rising popularity of portable games, smartphones, and tablets has led to an increase in educational apps for toddlers and preschoolers, making it the fastest-growing category of educational games on Apple’s iTunes Store. This progress was made faster when the pandemic hit and screens became a big part of our lives.
A BabyCenter survey reveals that half of children under 4 use a smartphone or computer, prompting parents to consider the age-appropriateness of digital media and educational benefits.
While some experts suggest introducing digital media around 2 1/2 years old, others emphasize the importance of active, free playtime for healthy development, indicating that digital media is not a one-size-fits-all solution.
Recommended games
With proper supervision and security measures, these games can help children train their cognitive skills and reap new knowledge. Without further ado, we’ll explain 9 fun online games children can play that can be surprisingly educative!
1. Cartoon Network Games
Our first recommendation is Cartoon Network Games, made by the titular animation studio. There’s a wealth of games on the website that are based on the network’s various shows, such as Adventure Time, The Amazing World of Gumball, Ben 10, and the Powerpuff Girls.
Expect to find multiple genres on the website, such as action, adventure, puzzle, and time management games, suitable for almost all ages.
2. Roblox
Roblox has become one of the most consistently popular games for children. The game’s creation system allows everyone, including children, to become as creative as possible in designing their own games and experiences.
Because of that, Roblox can become a good choice for children to develop their talents and find new friends in the virtual ecosystem. However, parents need to stay alert to ensure that the kids are interacting with online strangers in appropriate manners.
3. Minecraft
Like Roblox, Minecraft continues to be popular with kids because of its in-game creation system. Right now, so many Minecraft worlds have been created by children with unlimited passion and creativity.
It’s also free, which makes the game extremely friendly and accessible for everyone. Yet, some versions can be harder than others and it might be a bit difficult to play for younger children. Parents can try to assist their children when they try to collect certain materials or build something complicated.
4. Fortnite
Fortnite has seen unbelievable popularity in the last decade because of how competitive and fun it can get.
However, parents must turn off the voice chat and limit financial spending on cosmetics to prevent unwanted influence on the children. After taking these safety measures, Fortnite can be a fun way to introduce children to competitive games.
5. National Geographic Kids
National Geographic Kids is a good choice for children because of its educational and fun games. Befitting National Geographic’s reputation as an educational platform, games on National Geographic Kids will teach cognitive skills and knowledge to children in fun and engaging ways. They’re also free, so children can play them immediately when browsing the internet.
6. Bubble Shooter
Although Bubble Shooter looks simple, it’s a challenging game where children can learn skills to differentiate colors and patterns. Moreover, there are many free-to-play Suika games on Bubble Shooter’s website.
The original Suika Game is a Japanese puzzle video game that combines falling and merging puzzle elements. The game involves building a high score by dropping fruits into a container, merging identical fruits to create new ones. Now, there are multiple versions that you can play online. Choose a Suika game and you can play online on your mobile or computer for free on http://www.bubbleshooter.net.
7. Funbrain
Funbrain is proof that educational games shouldn’t have been boring. The website uses colorful backdrops, perfect for kids in elementary age. Funbrain also divides the games based on the grade categories, starting from the first to the sixth grade. Kids can play the games based on their favorite subjects, such as math or life science.
8. KILOO.com
KILOO.com is one of the most epic gaming choices for kids. The website offers a variety of games that match the kids’ interests. Anything from girl games to shooting games is available on KILOO.com. The website also regularly adds new games, which can make kids interested in the website for the long term.
Setting boundaries
Both computers and mobile phone games pose risks for children, but the unique challenges of cell phones, including their compact size and portability, raise concerns about excessive use and potential negative impacts on behavior.
The constant accessibility of mobile phones may contribute to obsessive-compulsive behavior (OCD) in children, affecting their overall well-being. The smaller screens and interactive nature of mobile phone games can intensify the immersive experience, heightening the risk of behavioral issues.
Parents face challenges in regulating screen time due to the portability of cell phones, emphasizing the need for balanced guidelines and awareness of potential risks for children’s well-being. Concerns include changes in brain chemistry, such as dopamine release, potential addiction, and alterations in the reward circuitry.
In many cases, parents need to be role models by reducing their own screen time and engaging with their children in non-screen activities.
When they decide to let the kids play, parents are advised to choose age-appropriate and interactive games, limit online access, and set time restrictions based on recommendations from the American Academy of Pediatrics.
Special accessories for kids, such as small-sized mice for desktop games and protective films, can also enhance the gaming experience while ensuring safety.
