Children are growing up surrounded by technology and video games, that’s just a fact of life these days. While concerns about the potential risks of excessive gaming are valid, it is important to recognise that gaming, when approached responsibly and in moderation, can offer numerous benefits for kids too. One surprising advantage is the promotion of safety. In fact, engaging in gaming activities with your child can be a valuable opportunity to teach them essential life skills, cultivate a sense of responsibility and foster a stronger parent-child bond.

Critical thinking is important for working out just who and what you can trust. According to some academic researchers, critical thinking skills have been declining since the 90’s (Arum and Roksa 2011). The right video games can help with that – they often require players to solve puzzles, strategise and make decisions in dynamic and fast-paced environments. This aspect of gaming can significantly enhance a child’s critical thinking abilities. By playing alongside your child, you can help them to engage with puzzles, encourage them to analyse situations, evaluate risks and make informed choices. This transferable skill can then be applied to real-life situations, empowering them to assess potential dangers, make safer decisions and know what’s trustworthy.

Human behaviour can be confusing, making it hard to coordinate with one another. Collaboration and communication skills are incredibly important for emerging young leaders, or just anyone who might want to work in a team one day. Many popular video games, particularly those with cooperative multiplayer modes, promote teamwork and collaboration. By engaging in gaming sessions with your kid, you can foster their ability to communicate effectively, coordinate with others and work towards a common goal with a group. These skills are essential for building healthy relationships, both online and offline. By experiencing positive collaboration first-hand, children are more likely to exhibit respectful behaviour, avoid online conflicts and seek help when faced with potential risks or dangers.

Let’s face it, the Internet or anything online is a big wide open community that could have anyone on it. Through active participation in online games, parents can teach children about the importance of online safety. Discussing topics such as privacy, cyberbullying, and responsible online behaviour while playing together helps create a safe space for open dialogue. It also helps your kids to make sense of the complicated and confusing lingo that different games have. By establishing ground rules and setting boundaries, parents can guide their children towards safer online interactions and reduce the likelihood of encountering harmful situations. You will also know exactly what is going on.

While video games usually involve screen time, there are numerous gaming experiences that can encourage physical activity and exercise where children move their bodies in the real world. Video games like dance or fitness-based titles provide an excellent opportunity for parents and children to engage in physical activities together, promoting a healthier lifestyle. Additionally, gaming with motion controls or virtual reality setups can enhance spatial awareness and physical coordination – all of this can translate into better physical safety in real-world scenarios.

Gaming together can strengthen the emotional connection between parents and children by generating positive memories of time spent together. Sharing an enjoyable activity fosters a sense of trust, understanding and mutual respect. By actively participating in their gaming interests, we parents gain valuable insights into our child’s world, allowing for deeper conversations about their experiences, concerns and challenges. This enhanced bond increases the likelihood that children will confide in us when faced with unsafe situations, seeking guidance and support.

So, get off the couch, get down on the floor and engage with your child in gaming! It can be a positive and effective way to promote their safety and well-being. By leveraging the interactive and immersive nature of video games, parents can teach crucial life skills, foster responsible online behaviour and encourage physical activity. Furthermore, playing together creates an environment of trust and open communication, empowering children to seek guidance and share their concerns with their parents. It is essential, however, to maintain a healthy balance between gaming and other activities, ensuring that children receive a well-rounded upbringing. Through mindful engagement, gaming with your child can be a valuable tool for promoting safety while strengthening the parent-child relationship.

Arum, R. and Roksa, J. (2011) Academically Adrift: Limited Learning on College Campuses. Chicago: University of Chicago Press.