New Mumsnet survey reveals parents call for education on video gaming in schools

London, 17 July 2024: Parents are calling for children to receive education focused on healthy gaming habits and harm prevention in schools, a new Mumsnet survey commissioned by Ygam has revealed.

Parents estimate that their children spend an average of 16.9 hours a week playing video games: more than half the amount of time they spend in school each week. Boys aged 11 to 17 are gaming the most with an average of almost a day a week (23.4 hours) spent playing video games.

The survey of over 1,000 parents highlights the central role that video games now play in daily life for many families. Over half (55%) of parents said that their child plays video games at least once a day, while a third (32%) have a child who plays multiple times a day.

The most prevalent concern surrounding children’s video game play is excessive screen time, with 4 in 5 (78%) parents voicing this issue. Parents of boys were more likely to be concerned about the risk of addiction to video gaming, and parents of girls were more likely to be concerned about stranger danger and exposure to sexual imagery or content.

Over a third (35%) of parents said that their child spends money on in-game purchases with 52% saying they have seen gambling-style mechanisms, such as loot boxes, in the games their child plays.

Now, parents are calling for more preventative education to be implemented in schools to safeguard young gamers. Despite only 35% of parents reporting that their children have received education on gaming, 88% believe schools should provide education on the potential harms of gaming, with a resounding 99% of these parents wanting this education to begin by the end of Key Stage 2. Additionally, 82% of parents want schools to deliver education on gambling harms.

Dr Jane Rigbye, Chief Executive of Ygam, said: “Video gaming is a popular pastime and offers benefits to children’s lives, including cognitive development and social interactions. However, it’s crucial for them to strike a healthy balance to prevent potential harms. Recognising a generation gap in understanding the gaming world, there is a growing demand for Ygam’s resources. We are now working with hundreds of schools and supporting thousands of families to ensure children can safely enjoy playing video games in a protected and supportive environment.”

Justine Roberts, Mumsnet Founder and CEO said: “We know that Mumsnet users are increasingly concerned about the time their children spend online, but it’s a particularly tricky parenting issue as it’s not something that most have experienced in their own childhoods. It’s no surprise therefore that 99% of parents would welcome more preventative education in primary schools, helping kids to strike a healthy balance and enjoy gaming safely”.

A parent who took part in the survey, said: “My son was 8 or 9 when I got him an Xbox One but nearly all his friends were gaming regularly by then, which is why I think education on it needs to start early.  He got very into Fortnite and spent all his pocket and birthday money on it. I had to restrict his play as I thought it was very addictive. Now he’s older, he plays FIFA and has a very balanced approach to it. However, some of his friends stay up all night gaming which I don’t think is healthy!”

Read the full report here: