Perceptions of Parents and Children About Videogame Use

This study aims to investigate the gap in perceptions of parents and children on the use of videogames in childhood. Methods: A survey was conducted with 75 pairs formed by a son or daughter and one parent. The data collected contradict the prejudice that playing video games reduces study time and leads to lower grades at school (R < 0.13). Our results support the idea that playing together fosters bonding and facilitates conversation. The impact of videogames on mood showed the most substantial differences in perception, with parents mainly reporting negative mood changes, while children reported similar frequencies of negative, neutral, and positive ones. In relation to the educational and informative potential of videogames, children had slightly more positive opinions than their parents (p < 0.001). Finally, more than half of the participants potentially agreed with the possibility of using videogames as academic tools. In conclusion, there is a gap between parents’ and children’s perceptions about videogaming, especially concerning their effects on children’s mood. Playing together and developing deeper knowledge about videogames could enhance positive effects on children’s development as well as their relationships with peers, parents, and at school.