A new study from Montreal highlights how certain mobile games can negatively impact kids’ growth and development
Montreal: A recent study has raised some eyebrows about the impact of free cell phone games on kids. It turns out that these games might not just be harmless fun after all.
Simon Delorme, a neuropsychologist at the Université du Québec à Montréal, points out that kids often get their hands on their parents’ phones or tablets. With so many games available, it’s tough to keep track of what’s good for them.
Delorme and his team looked at over 200 free games aimed at children. They found a lot of sneaky mechanics designed to keep kids playing longer, which can actually hurt their development.
These games often use what Delorme calls a “monetization triad.” This means they make money through microtransactions, ads, and selling user data. It’s all about keeping kids hooked, not just having fun.
He warns that these games can be addictive, and kids might not even realize it. Instead of being just entertainment, they’re more like systems designed to keep players engaged for as long as possible.
Delorme also mentions the growing use of casino-like imagery in these games, which can normalize gambling concepts for young players. This early exposure can lead to risky behaviors later on.
He believes that parents often focus too much on the game content, ignoring the hidden mechanics that can be harmful. Even popular games like FIFA can have exploitative features that parents might not notice.
To help parents choose better games, Delorme suggests looking for ones that require a direct purchase, as these usually have fewer monetization traps. He also encourages checking out games from smaller developers.
Finally, he advises parents to watch their kids play and look for any concerning mechanics. It’s all about making informed choices to protect their development.
–This report by La Presse Canadienne was translated by CityNews
