Biopsychosocial impacts and ethical-Social challenges of the use of digital games by children and adolescents in educational contexts: A critical-narrative review

Authors

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.28998/2175-6600.2026v18n40.19539

Keywords:

Video games, Educational practices, Children, Adolescents

Abstract

Introduction and Literature Review: Digital games can be used in teaching various skills and competencies as a complement to traditional school teaching. Several studies have reported biopsychosocial and academic benefits for children and adolescents. Objective: To discuss the use of serious games and entertainment games adapted in a safe manner and under adult supervision for children and adolescents. Methodology: A critical-narrative review of the literature was conducted, combining predefined systematic parameters. The selection of articles was made from MEDLINE and Scielo. Complementary sources on digital games outside scientific databases were also used. Results and Discussion: Serious games and adapted entertainment games are potential tools in educational practice and can enable personal and academic growth for children and adolescents. Conclusion: Digital games can be safe and attractive spaces for collaborative learning for children and adolescents.

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Author Biographies

Mariana Vieira Teles, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande (FURG)

Biomedical Scientist from the Federal University of Health Sciences of Porto Alegre (UFCSPA). Specialist in Neurosciences and Behavior from the Pontifical Catholic University of Rio Grande do Sul (PUCRS). Medical Student at the Federal University of Rio Grande (FURG). Master’s Student in Public Health at the Federal University of Rio Grande (FURG).

Letícia Staub Limberger, University of Santa Cruz do Sul (UNISC)

Bachelor's degree in Psychology from the University of Santa Cruz do Sul (UNISC).
Master's degree in Education from the University of Santa Cruz do Sul (UNISC).
Specialist in Education from the Perspective of Structured Teaching for Autistic Individuals from UniOpet University Center.

Felipe da Silva Paulitsch, Federal University of Rio Grande (FURG)

Holds a Medical Degree from the Federal University of Rio Grande (FURG). PhD in Medicine from the University of São Paulo (USP). Postdoctoral Fellowship in Public Health at the Federal University of Rio Grande (FURG).

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Published

2026-07-22

How to Cite

TELES, Mariana Vieira; LIMBERGER, Letícia Staub; PAULITSCH, Felipe da Silva. Biopsychosocial impacts and ethical-Social challenges of the use of digital games by children and adolescents in educational contexts: A critical-narrative review. Debates em Educação, [S. l.], v. 18, n. 40, p. 1–17, 2026. DOI: 10.28998/2175-6600.2026v18n40.19539. Disponível em: https://periodicos.ufal.br/debateseducacao/article/view/19539. Acesso em: 26 jul. 2026.

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Vol. 18 No. 40 (2026)

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