A report by Games for Change seeks to address parental concerns about video gaming by relying on "evidence rather than fear"

A woman and a boy are sitting on a sofa, holding game controllers and looking up with excited expressions.
Image credit: Vitaly Gariev via Unsplash

Games for Change, a non-profit group, has released a report that examines parental attitudes toward video gaming, pushing for a move away from concerns about addiction and violence. The report, written by G4C’s research director Dr. Rachel Kowert with support from Tencent Games, outlines ways for parents to engage constructively with their children’s gaming habits.

Dr. Kowert aims to address parents’ fears by focusing on evidence rather than fear. While speaking to GamesIndustry.biz, Kowert noted, "Often, parents worry about the wrong issues. Reorienting this perspective helps channel concern effectively."

She emphasizes that parents, as well as educators, are crucial parts of the gaming ecosystem that require more attention. Kowert advocates for simplifying academic research to make it accessible to non-experts, fostering cooperation among industry players, advocates, and educators.

Report illustration — The report addresses parental concerns about gaming and offers practical methods for engagement with children. | Image credit: Games For Change

Instead of focusing purely on screen time, the paper advises considering the quality of gaming experiences and encourages open discussions within families. Notably, close to 60% of children express a desire for greater parental involvement during gaming sessions. Kowert uses an analogy to underscore this point: "Just as parents dedicate time to their child’s hobbies, engaging in conversations about games can have a similar positive impact."

G4C's founder, Susanna Pollack, remarked on how the perception of games shifted during the pandemic, acknowledging that many parents recognized the social connectivity that games afforded their children during isolation.

"Gaming became a space for kids to connect when otherwise they couldn't"
Susanna Pollack

Pollack notes that fostering understanding about the positive aspects of gaming, alongside any genuine concerns, can transform parental fears into informed discussions about their children's interests. Additionally, G4C’s Raising Good Gamers initiative provides resources and instructional programs for families to better understand and navigate gaming dynamics.

Furthermore, the initiative includes workshops where families can create video game agreements. Early feedback indicates that 82% of participants feel more equipped to talk about gaming with their children.

The workshops will debut in the US and UK this September, with plans to expand internationally by 2027. More details are accessible at the Raising Good Gamers website.