Effects of Online Games in the Academic Performance of Grade 12 ABM Students in Bestlink College of the Philippines School Year 2018-2019

Abstract

Online games are considered high in demand, most especially in students as it serves as their leisure during their vacant time. Somehow it affects other aspects of their lives. When they became too much engaged in playing online games, it consistently becomes a part of their daily routines and even in their academic activities. This study aims to assess the effects of online games on the Academic Performance of Grade 12 Accountancy, Business and Management students in Bestlink College of the Philippines. A qualitative method was used in the study. Using the descriptive research design, this study focused on the assessment of four academic variables identified being affected by playing online games such as attendance, behavior, health, and written works. The data were gathered by distributing questionnaires to the target respondents. The result of the study revealed that online games affect the academic performance of Grade 12 ABM students in terms of the following: (1) Attendance –playing online games until midnight affects the capability of the students to report in class on time, resulting to bad records in their attendance. (2) Behavior –playing online games leads the students to adopt the characteristics and values of the online game's characters and this negatively affects their behavior towards others. (3) Health –online games affect the health of the students; having a lack of sleep and not eating on time lessen their productivity. (4) Written Works –online games affect the preparedness of the students in their written works; the time for review gets diverted in playing online games and results in low scores and low grades. The results of the study demonstrate the need for the parents and teachers to guide and monitor their students when playing online games especially on the time spent playing. Parents should limit the time that their students spend playing online games to avoid addiction and low academic performance. The teachers and school administrators must also help in monitoring the students to avoid playing online games most especially during class. Online games somehow give enjoyment to the students but they must be reminded of their limitations so it does not negatively affect their academic performance and academic success.