Nearly all teenagers in the UK – around 90% – enjoy playing video games, according to the Association for UK Interactive Entertainment. When they’re gaming on consoles or tablets, they become fully immersed in bright, colourful worlds and exciting stories.
Most parents – around two-thirds – have talked to their children about how much time they spend gaming, and nearly all (90%) feel it’s necessary to use some kind of parental controls. Psychiatrist Dr. Alok Kanojia, author of How to Raise a Healthy Gamer, explains that parental anxiety is natural, as it can seem like kids are simply wasting time or becoming addicted. He clarifies that gaming isn’t just entertainment for many children; it actually helps them fulfill important emotional needs like developing a sense of self, feeling accomplished, and connecting with others.
Dr. Kaitlyn Regehr, a professor at University College London and author of Smartphone Nation, points out that video games aren’t all bad. They can actually help kids develop skills like problem-solving and hand-eye coordination. However, she stresses the importance of choosing games that are suitable for a child’s age and protecting them from mature content. She suggests checking a game’s age rating or visiting AskAboutGames.com to find out more about what a game contains.
Dr. Kanojia believes understanding is more effective than control, emphasizing that parents should try to figure out why their child is doing something rather than simply trying to stop it. He suggests asking, ‘What is my child gaining from this behavior?’ instead of ‘How do I make this stop?’
Experts suggest parents actively participate in their children’s gaming to stay informed about what they’re doing. It’s also helpful to create a family agreement about reasonable playtime. Instead of just limiting hours, parents should also consider what games their children are playing. Be cautious of games that share location information, connect children with strangers, or use tricks to keep players hooked, like daily rewards.
Although games like Roblox and Minecraft are hugely popular with kids, the UK also has talented game developers creating fun experiences. This year, two uniquely delightful British-made games – PowerWash Simulator 2 and Two Point Museum – have been nominated for a family award at the BAFTA Games Awards.
Authors
Rob Leane leads gaming coverage at TopMob, managing content for PlayStation, Xbox, Switch, PC, mobile, and VR games. He creates content for TopMob’s website, social media, video platforms, and weekly newsletter. Before joining TopMob, Rob worked at Den of Geek, Stealth Optional, and Dennis Publishing.
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2026-04-06 19:36