Gaming influences for children
Learn more about what motivates children and young people to play video games.
Engaging with young people
Navigating the online world can be daunting for adults in positions of care due to the rapid influx of new apps, technologies, and terms. Online video gaming poses unique challenges as it evolves and is tailored to each user, making it harder for parents to safeguard their children.
Effective digital safeguarding involves empowering young people, enhancing their knowledge, and fostering open conversations. While there is pressure to monitor and control digital interactions, the focus should be on engaging young people in the process and highlighting the positives of online gaming, enabling discussions about risks and benefits.
Here’s what you can do support young gamers
Take an interest
Engage in discussions about gaming and social media, trying out apps, and understanding platforms young people use.
Understand why
Explore reasons behind young people’s gaming interests - whether for social interaction, entertainment, escapism, challenge, or competition.
Co-develop solutions
Address worries collaboratively, suggesting reasonable actions instead of imposing strict restrictions.
Daily digital safety
Integrate online safety discussions into everyday conversations, making it a normal part of dialogue.
Time and place
Select opportune moments to start conversations, acknowledging that young people may feel more comfortable expressing themselves in different ways.
Educate yourself
Register for one of Ygam’s free online workshops on video gaming and gain access to expert information, advice and guidance.
Actively empower young gamers
By adopting these strategies, you can actively contribute to the digital empowerment of young gamers, ensuring that they not only navigate the online world safely but also develop crucial skills to help safeguard both themselves and others in the digital world.
Want to deepen your understanding?
Join thousands of parents and professionals we've trained to support children and young people. Our free workshops give you the knowledge and confidence to prevent the harms of gaming and gambling.
Discover more
Safety controls
Our guide to help you create safer gaming environments for children and young people.
Spotting the signs of gaming harm
Excessive gaming can lead to a variety of physical, psychological, and social harms. Here is a list of signs to look out for if you are concerned.
Need immediate support?
If you're concerned about a young person experiencing gaming or gambling harms, support is available.