Investigating the Relationship between Online Games and Aggression and Social Development of Children in Kermanshah

Background and Purpose: It is becoming more and more difficult to imagine a world without internet and mobile phones; which have a great impact on scientific progress and access to information. Children who use the Internet and mobile phones to play are exposed to many risks. The present study was conducted by investigating the relationship between the use of online games with aggression and social development in children aged ۷-۱۱ years in Kermanshah. Methods: The present study was a descriptive method, and the statistical population of the study consisted of all children aged ۷-۱۱ in Kermanshah city in ۲۰۲۳. Among the statistical population, ۲۵۰ children, ۲۰۵ of whom were boys and ۴۵ of whom were girls, were selected by random sampling. Data collection tools were Weiland's Social Development Questionnaire, Children's Aggression Questionnaire, and Computer Games Therapy Questionnaire. The data were entered into SPSS software version ۲۶ and analyzed using the Pearson correlation coefficient statistical test. Findings: The results of the research showed that there is a positive and significant correlation between online games and aggression at the level (p<۰.۰۵). Also, there is a significant negative correlation between aggression and social growth (p<۰.۰۵). But no significant correlation was observed between social development and online games. Conclusion: According to the findings of the research, it seems that by managing and controlling the duration and type of use of online games, the destructive effects of this media can be reduced.

Keywords:

Children , Online Games , Aggression , Social Development