While this week’s 60 Minutes looks at the issue of gaming and why so many kids can’t, and won’t stop doing it, some parents say it’s time to relax.
So what should you do if your child won't put the game down?
Marcus Carter, lecturer in digital cultures at the University of Sydney, and Jocelyn Brewer, of Digital Nutrition, believe understanding what your kids are playing is crucial.
Jocelyn says parents need to stop ‘freaking out’ about their kids’ obsession with the game and pick up a console and have a go.
‘We must be proactive about understanding what we allow young people to digitally feast upon,’ she says.
And rather than adding it to your ‘to do’ list, Jocelyn says you need to get into the headspace of being playful when you settle down to play it with your kids.
Marcus agrees and points out that because the game is on mobile devices parents don’t need a gaming computer or consoles for every member of the family.
‘All of the things we’re learning about children and digital tech … is that when parents play the games with the kids, that’s better for everyone overall,’ he says.
60 Minutes airs on Sunday 26 August at 8.30pm on Nine