As the popularity of esports continues to rise globally, more and more schools and districts across the nation are considering launching academic esports programs, or have already done so. Just like traditional sports were once a novel concept, the idea of esports in schools also inevitably brings a new set of common concerns that parents lose sleep over and educators and administrators have to tackle. Many worry about the negative effects of gaming, such as too much gaming, academic struggles, and behavioral changes. These fears, while understandable, are often based on misconceptions rather than the actual pros and cons of esports. In this blog, we’ll explore four common fears about esports in education and explain why these concerns are not as alarming as they may seem and may sometimes get blown out of proportion.
1. Do Video Games Lead to Violence?
We’ll start with one of the most common concerns, though one that is starting to become a bit outdated as technology and media continues to permeate our daily lives. The elephant in the room is whether video games lead to violence or aggressive behavior. While there are ongoing debates about the relationship between aggression and video games in general, it’s important to note that this concern generally revolves around violent, mature-rated games that are not part of school esports programs and not appropriate for children. In this context, it’s important to discern that the pros and cons of esports come down to what types of games are being played.
When we talk about esports in education or Academic Esports, the focus is exclusively on age-appropriate games that promote teamwork, strategy, and communication. Schools and educators select games that are age-appropriate, align with their school’s values, and promote the development of positive habits. Research shows that structured gaming in the classroom or through after-school clubs and enrichment programs actually promotes prosocial behavior. Additionally, handy technology allows educators and esports coaches in any k12 esports program to monitor how students interact during games and address any behavioral concerns in real time.
Furthermore, educators can use gaming and esports in schools to teach students about the potential mental and emotional impacts of certain video games or gaming situations. Students learn that “tilting” or “raging” after a loss significantly impacts their ability to perform at their best and learn to focus on the bigger picture instead of a single match or game. Good habits, such as saying “Good game,” or “GG” after a match, regardless of winning or losing, are encouraged and developed. This offers a unique opportunity to educate students about the negative effects of aggression in gaming, teach them resilience in the face of challenges, and provide them with tools to navigate these challenges.
Takeaway: The fear that all video games lead to violence is unfounded when schools have control over the types of games played and can use esports programs to guide students in making positive choices and instill good habits.
2. Video Games Cause Social Isolation
Another fear of gaming in the classroom and esports in schools has to do with the topic of video games and social isolation. Many assume that gaming is a solitary activity, disconnected from the social benefits that traditional team sports offer. Some even perceive gamers as basement-dwelling, sunlight-averse outcasts shunned by society and their peers alike.
This is simply not true.
This view overlooks the team-based nature of esports in schools. An Academic Esports program, much like traditional sports, requires communication, collaboration, and teamwork to succeed. In fact, one of the benefits of esports is its ability to bring students together who may not feel comfortable or may not be able to participate in traditional sports. Esports can provide community and a sense of belonging for students who might otherwise feel isolated and video games are not bad for you when used as a tool for social connection. During the COVID-19 pandemic, for instance, many students turned to video games to stay connected with friends and family.
Team-based esports in education can foster community, inclusivity, and friendship among students, and provide a space where physical, social, or cultural limitations are irrelevant. This inclusive environment and team-based nature of many games dispel the myth that video games cause social isolation.
Takeaway: The fear of video games and social isolation is misplaced—esports helps foster social bonds and community among students, making it a valuable addition to school activities.
3. Gaming Leads to Unhealthy Habits
Another stereotype surrounding esports and video games is that players develop unhealthy habits, such as poor physical health, irregular sleep patterns, and unhealthy eating. While these are legitimate concerns for any sedentary activity, the structured nature of esports in schools provides a way to mitigate and prevent these issues. The pros and cons of esports show that while the risk of inactivity exists, the benefits of esports far outweigh these concerns and structured academic esports programs emphasize physical and mental wellbeing and exercise.
Schools can use gaming in the classroom as an opportunity to teach students about balance. Just like traditional sports teams emphasize fitness, so too can esports in education. In fact, successful esports athletes recognize that physical health is critical to mental sharpness and in-game performance. A recent study even showed that esports players are not any less healthy or fit than the general population, dispelling the stereotype of the unhealthy gamer.
By integrating physical activity into training routines, schools can ensure that students don't fall into the trap of too much gaming. Experienced esports educators will show their students proper stretching and exercise techniques to avoid wear and tear that may result in problems down the line. Additionally, teaching students about time management, sleep, and healthy eating within the context of performance and esports in schools helps reinforce positive habits.
Takeaway: With the right structure, esports in education can promote healthy habits, debunking the myth that gaming inherently leads to negative physical outcomes.
4. Video Games Can Harm Academic Performance
Another widespread fear is that too much gaming will negatively impact students’ academic performance. This is a valid concern, especially with the potential for video game addiction. However, research does not show a clear link between moderate video game use and academic decline. A 2020 study found no significant connection between gaming and poor academic performance, particularly when gaming is done in a structured and balanced way.
The pros and cons of esports become apparent here as well. While too much gaming can lead to distractions and poor time management, esports in schools provides a system of accountability. Many esports programs require students to maintain a minimum GPA to participate, much like traditional sports. This creates an incentive for students to prioritize their studies, reinforcing that video games are not bad for you as long as they are balanced with academics.
Schools can also use gaming in the classroom to teach students about managing screen time and building healthy study habits. When approached this way, esports in education becomes a tool for improving both academic and life skills.
Takeaway: The fear that too much gaming will harm grades is unfounded when esports programs are structured to encourage a balance between academics and gaming.
Conclusion
The fears surrounding esports in schools are understandable but often exaggerated. While there are certainly pros and cons of esports, the benefits of esports in schools far outweigh the concerns when schools take a structured and intentional approach.
When guided by educators, esports programs can promote teamwork, inclusion, and healthy habits, all while helping students improve academically and socially. By addressing the negative effects of gaming through structured programs, schools can turn potential drawbacks into positive outcomes, showing that video games are not bad for you when approached responsibly.
Esports in schools offer a unique opportunity to engage students who may not thrive in traditional sports, teaching them valuable skills and giving them a sense of belonging. Rather than fearing the unknown, educators can embrace esports as a powerful tool for personal and academic growth.
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