BSEL Library: Healthy Relationships with Tech Part 2 - "But It's Just a Game"

In Part 1 of Healthy Relationships with Tech, we shared about a book to help approach the topic of healthy cell phone use for kids. But what's the one thing in today's culture that might be more addictive for kids than cell phones? Video games!

But It's Just a Game by Julia Cook helps children learn how to be in control of their lives, instead of let their video games control them!

Similar to cell phones, video games were something every student I've worked with has been exposed to. When we are working with neurodivergent students, who often experience hyperfixations and special interests, video games can become an even more relevant topic! While okay in moderation, it is easy for video games to quickly take control over a child's life and mental health. That's why But It's Just a Game is such an important book. Here's what I love, some notes to consider, and how to use this book with the little gamers in your life.

What I love:
- The book gives examples of how becoming overly-obsessed with video games can impact every area of life. From his relationships to family, friends, school, and more, readers will see the far reach video games can have on a child.
- The book focuses on the idea of "control," asking: Who is in control of your life? It compares it to a video game controller, a fun way to make this accessible and understandable for our young learners.
- At the end of the book, there is an amazing tip sheet for parents and educators. This sheet focuses on individualizing the plans you make with your child around their video game usage, as well as providing screen-free alternatives to engage in instead.

Some things to be aware of:

• I suggest reading the tips yourself before reading this book with a child. The rules put in place by the parent in the book are a lot. When using these strategies realistically, it's important to follows the tips to make sure your approach to cutting back on screen time will actually be effective for your learner. Find what works for you!
  
• While the tip page mentions teenagers, I see this book as being most effective for middle school or younger. It has some juvenile elements to it, so consider that when deciding if this is a good book for you.

How to use this book:
Read it aloud to a group to facilitate discussion. The ultimate goal is for students to learn skills in childhood to help them manage their own behaviors as adults. This book could definitely spark discussion around what the children think are good boundaries for technology and video games.
Break it down into two parts with an individual child if you notice technology use getting out of hand. First, read the half that shows how video games negatively impact Jasper's life. Then, read the second half that shows what reasonable rules can be used to help him regain control of his life. Finally, use the book as a guide to set up your own rules for video game usage.

Video games can be fun, but they can also be distracting, addicting, and problematic! Thankfully, But It's Just a Game helps us help students get back to that exact place - where our video games, while fun, are truly just games that don't get to control our lives.