What is Esports and Why Should My Child Participate?

Esports, or electronic sports, are competition using video games. Just like traditional sports, esports feature teams or individual players going head-to-head in a variety of games, from strategy-based ones to fast-paced action titles.

Esports are perfect for students who might not be into traditional athletics but still want to be part of a team and learn new skills. Gamers of all ages can play a variety of video games competitively and join esports leagues, transforming a once solitary pastime into a competitive display of teamwork and problem-solving.

How can my child benefit from esports?

1. Develop Valuable STEM Skills

Esports can be a fantastic way for your child to get interested in STEM (science, technology, engineering, and math) fields. STEM is a growing career field for the future, and even if your child isn’t considering a STEM-focused path, technological knowledge is increasingly essential for any job. Esports can spark an interest in computer science and help them gain tech proficiency in a fun, engaging way.

2. Build Problem Solving and Team Skills

Beyond technical skills, soft skills are crucial for success. Esports can help your child develop collaboration, teamwork, strategic thinking, and resilience. They’ll experience wins and losses, teaching them to evaluate mistakes and learn from them. Plus, esports add a team element to video gaming, introducing them to the dynamics of coordinating and communicating with peers.

3. Connect with Fellow Players and Build Community

Esports are inclusive, offering opportunities for people of all ages, genders, and backgrounds. With healthy screen time in mind, esports provide an opportunity for valuable connections and social interaction. The Pew Research Center reports more than half of teens play video games to spend time with friends. The structured nature of esports elevates this socialization, fostering friendships and teamwork.

4. Increase Their Motivation to Learn and Providing Inclusivity

Participation in extracurricular activities like esports has been linked to better engagement and grades in school. Esports leagues in schools represent a wide range of student interests and provide inclusive fun for kids of all skill levels. Esports allows students to play as any character they desire, creating a fun and safe space for their skills to shine.

5. Set Up Your Child for Careers, College, and Opportunity

Esports is no joke! It’s gaining recognition in college sports rosters, with scholarships available for esports athletes. The National Association of Collegiate E-sports supplies 16 million dollars annually to incoming esports college athletes.

Beyond gaming, esports experience can lead to exciting careers! Video game designers and software developers are among the fast-growing and successful career paths. This exciting sport not only offers immediate fun but also opens doors to future career possibilities.

How can my child participate in esports?

Getting started in Esports can be a rewarding experience for your child. Here are a few ways they can dive in:

Join a Team: One of the best ways for your child to get involved in esports is to join a team. They can connect with other players through online communities like forums, Discord servers, Reddit subreddits, or social media groups.

Start a Team at School: Many schools are recognizing the value of esports and are starting their own teams. Your child can talk to teachers or school administrators about starting a team, which can be a great way to build leadership skills and foster a sense of community.

K12 Esports League: If your child is enrolled in a K12-powered school, they can participate in our esports leagues! This online platform allows students to challenge their peers across the nation while learning team-building and communication skills. Coaches help balance esports with school and other commitments, ensuring students can engage in some serious play while keeping their academics on track.

What do esports look like in schools?

Esports in Elementary School: Young children can start with simple games like Minecraft: Education Edition, which helps build foundational skills like hand-eye coordination and problem-solving.

Esports in Middle School: Middle school esports programs introduce students to the basics of gaming and the importance of balancing gaming with studies. These programs have a lighter weekly time commitment and focus on foundational skills, digital citizenship, and participation-driven competitions.

Esports in High School: High school esports programs offer advanced courses in performance training, leadership, and decision-making. These programs help students develop skills that are crucial for academic and professional success and introduce them to potential esports careers.

Esports in Special Education: Digital games are particularly beneficial in special education, as they make learning more engaging and reduce stress. Recent studies have shown that action video games can significantly improve reading abilities in children with dyslexia. What’s more, video games have shown effectiveness in reducing inappropriate behavior and enhancing play skills and social engagement among students on the autism spectrum.

Remember, esports isn’t just about gaming—it provides a fun and engaging way for your child to develop valuable skills while enjoying their favorite games. It promotes inclusion and helps build connections among diverse groups, fostering a sense of community, friendship, and school spirit.

Want to get your child involved in esports? Enroll your child in a K12-powered school today and check out our esports leagues!