How gaming impacts young people

Today's young people are growing up in an increasingly digital world, where gaming plays a central role in how they learn, socialise, and have fun. Understanding this landscape helps us as parents, professionals, and community leaders to support young people in building healthy relationships with gaming.

Balancing the benefits and risks of gaming

Gaming offers young people valuable opportunities for:

  • Creative expression through building and customising virtual worlds
  • Problem-solving and strategic thinking
  • Social connection and collaboration with friends
  • Entertainment and stress relief

However, the immersive nature of many games can also bring risks. Features like loot boxes, endless scrolling, and social pressure can sometimes lead to harmful gaming habits. Understanding both the benefits and potential challenges helps us create safer digital environments.

Did you know? Research shows that 1 in 4 young people have paid to open loot boxes, which can trigger similar psychological responses to gambling.

Statistics on the risks of gaming

Gaming is deeply embedded in young people's lives:

92 %

Young people play video games

17  hours

Young people spend gaming every week

24  hours

Boys aged 11-17 spend gaming every week

46 %

Young people have paid for in-game items

How to spot when gaming becomes harmful

While gaming is a healthy part of many young people’s lives, certain signs may indicate that it’s becoming harmful:

  • Disrupted sleep patterns or difficulty sleeping
  • Withdrawal from other activities and relationships
  • Difficulty controlling gaming time
  • Strong emotional responses when unable to game
child playing video games on computer with mousepad

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