Raising Good Gamers has published an academic white paper aimed at families to help navigate video gaming at home. The white paper is titled, Raising Good Gamers: What Families Need to Know About Video Games and Well-Being. Workshops and online webinars will launch across the US and UK later this fall.
The white paper was authored by Dr. Rachel Kowert, Research Director at nonprofit organization Games for Change, and organizer for GfC initiative, Raising Good Gamers. Dr. Kowert uses academic research, industry studies, parental data, and analysis of nearly 200,000 articles and social posts from over a dozen countries around the world to shape the report.
Video gaming is becoming increasingly social, with 49% of players responding that video games help keep them connected to friends and families. Over a third of players have met best friends or significant others through gaming.
The paper reveals that nearly 60% of young gamers want their parents more involved in their video games. In other words, collaboration and participation, rather that limitations.
“Parents are often being encouraged to worry before they’re encouraged to understand,” said Dr. Kowert. “Our video gaming experiences are not only defined by time spent playing. They’re shaped by the quality of the experience, the relationships around it and the conversations families have together. Rather than let worry opt us out, it’s time for parents to get curious and opt in, and our kids say they want that too.”
The white paper introduces SPACE as a framework for bridging the gap between parents and their young gamers.
In other words, show interest in your kids activities (like, in general, too). Play games with them. Teach them online etiquette and safety. And introduce some boundaries to avoid harmful addictions or habits.
“When parents sit alongside their children, ask questions and even pick up a device themselves, something changes. Anxiety gives way to curiosity, and conflict gives way to conversation. That’s what Raising Good Gamers is designed to encourage: practical, everyday ways for families to build trust, set expectations together and make video gaming part of a healthier family routine,” said Susanna Pollack, President of Games for Change.
Parents can find downloadable resources, including family conversation guide and a video game agreement, over at RaisingGoodGamers.com.
Games for Change is a nonprofit organization that empowers developers, creators, and leaders to drive real-world change and messaging through gaming.
Raising Good Gamers was founded in 2020 to provide research-backed tools and resources for families to help navigate gaming, and create better online environments.
