By Michaela Gordoni
A new survey by Prodigy reveals that parents’ attitudes toward video games have changed.
More parents now accept gaming as an avenue for their child’s interests and a possible career path. Prodigy says the average parent of a gamer spends $1,000 on games and equipment, with the highest being $3,000, according to Parents.
Half of parents reported they think gaming has a positive effect on their kids’ mental health and social skills. One-third of parents believe that gaming could help their kid get a college scholarship. More than two in five parents think it could be a more satisfying career than typical jobs like a lawyer or schoolteacher.
“Video gaming is no longer seen as an empty pastime,” said Joshua Prieur, EdD, and director of education enablement at Prodigy Education. “In fact, video games have been shown to foster a growth mindset by keeping kids challenged without worrying about failing.”
He notes that parents believe there are a lot of opportunities for gamers.
“Many young gamers go on to become game developers, software engineers or designers, shaping the future of interactive entertainment,” he said. “Others find opportunities in streaming, content creation and coaching.”
“It’s understandable for parents to be cautious about a career in gaming — and it won’t be the right fit for the vast majority,” he adds. “But that’s also true of any sport children show a passion for.”
Hallie Zwibel, DO, director of the Center for Esports Medicine at New York Institute of Technology, says that gaming is an acceptable avenue for socially anxious children to develop social skills, as it’s easier for them to establish relationships with their peers in the gaming world.
Read: The Rise of Esports: Are Parents on Board?
Bubba Gaeddert, head of events and senior lecturer at the College of Esports in London, UK, stresses that it allows for equal opportunities.
“Unlike traditional sports, gaming is open to people of all abilities. It is one of the most inclusive forms of competition,” Gaeddert said.
While parents now see the positives, that doesn’t mean the negatives have gone away.
Gaeddert notes that gaming can lead to too much sedentary behavior or lack of sleep and focus. Gamers need to balance screen time with exercise and “healthy habits.”
Related: Can You Beat a Gaming Addiction?
It can also lead to social isolation. There are also safety factors, which may depend on different factors like the game being played and the age of the player.
According to Pew Research, bullying from other game players is a common concern for teens. More than 80% of teens say bullying is a problem when gaming, and 41% report that they’ve been called a rude name.
Gaeddert says, “Parents should stay aware of the games their kids play, encourage open conversations, and use tools to monitor and protect them.”
Movieguide® founder Dr. Ted Baehr warns in his book, The Culture-Wise Family, that video games, along with movies and other media, can result in aggressive behavior and attitudes.
“Parents should encourage a balanced approach — setting limits on gaming hours and ensuring that time is also dedicated to schoolwork, physical activity, and face-to-face interactions,” Dr. Prieur says.
Kelsey Falter, CEO and founder of MOTHER Games, compares esports to other sports. Like with physical sports, too much time playing can lead to burnout or injury.
Despite the positive aspects of esports, it’s important that parents remain aware of what their kids are playing and how much time they’re spending on games.
Read Next: China To Ban Online Gaming for Children on Weekdays
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