Setting screen time limits, such as your 50-minute restriction for playing Free Fire, is a common practice among parents to manage children's gaming habits. However, the disappointment or anger from your parents may stem from various concerns regarding gaming and screen time.
Understanding Parental Concerns
Health and Development: Parents often worry about the impact of excessive screen time on health and development. Research indicates that too much screen time can lead to negative outcomes, including reduced physical activity and potential impacts on mental health14.
Social Interaction: Parents might feel that gaming can isolate children from family interactions or other activities, which are essential for social development. Encouraging a balance between gaming and other pursuits is often a priority for parents26.
Content Concerns: Games like Free Fire may contain violent content, which could be a concern for parents regarding exposure to inappropriate material5. They might also worry about online safety and interactions with strangers in gaming environments.
Navigating the Situation
Communication: It may help to have an open dialogue with your parents about your gaming limits and the reasons behind them. Sharing your understanding of moderation and self-regulation can demonstrate maturity.
Involvement in Activities: Suggesting alternative activities that you can do together with your family might alleviate some of their concerns. This could include outdoor activities or family games that encourage interaction away from screens.
Reassessing Limits: If your parents remain concerned, it might be worth considering if adjusting your screen time limit could address their worries while still allowing you to enjoy gaming.
Ultimately, while you are not necessarily "wrong" for wanting to play games like Free Fire within set limits, understanding and addressing your parents' concerns can help create a more harmonious environment regarding screen time.