New Report Aims to Empower Parents with Evidence-Based Insights on Video Games

A recent study by non-profit organisation Games for Change explores the relationship between parents and video games, with a focus on shifting the conversation from fear to fact-based discussions. The 'Raising Good Gamers: What Families Need to Know About Video Games and Well-Being' white paper, authored by Dr Rachel Kowert and supported by Tencent Games, offers a roadmap for parents to engage with their children in a more constructive manner. By highlighting the importance of evidence-based information, the paper seeks to alleviate unfounded concerns and promote a more balanced understanding of video games. The research suggests that parents should look beyond basic metrics such as screen time and instead focus on the quality of the gaming experience and the conversations they have with their children. Nearly 60% of children want their parents to be more involved in their gaming activities, and the paper encourages parents to do so. As Dr Kowert notes, 'If you can sit through a five-year-old's soccer game, you can talk to them for five minutes about what game they're playing.' The paper also proposes a more holistic approach to understanding video games, taking into account the social connections and relationships formed through gaming. Games for Change founder and president Susanna Pollack observes that the pandemic has led to a shift in parents' perspectives on gaming, with many now recognising its value as a means for children to connect with friends. The organisation's Raising Good Gamers program offers tools and resources for families to navigate gaming at home, and pilot workshops have shown promising results, with 82% of participants reporting increased confidence in discussing video games with their children.