Digital playgrounds: The benefits of online gaming (in moderation)
Let’s get something out of the way: hearing your kid yell “LET’S GO” into a headset at full volume while jumping around a pixelated battlefield isn’t exactly what most parents picture as quality time. But here’s the thing—online gaming isn’t just mindless screen time. Done right, it can be surprisingly social, creative, and even skill-building.
In fact, for today’s kids, gaming is often what “playing in the park” was for earlier generations. It’s where they hang out, bond with friends, and figure stuff out through play.
So… What’s the Appeal of Online Gaming?
Gaming today isn’t a solo activity in a dark room—it’s interactive, collaborative, and often wildly imaginative. Here’s why it clicks with kids:
Social Connection: Games like Minecraft, Fortnite, or Roblox let kids play with friends in real time, solve challenges together, and share laughs—even when they’re not physically together.
Creative Problem Solving: Many games are basically puzzles in disguise. Strategy, planning, teamwork—it’s all there.
Safe Exploration: In-game worlds give kids a place to test limits, take risks, and explore identities in a low-stakes environment.
Mastery and Progress: Games give immediate feedback and clear goals—perfect for kids who thrive on structure and achievement.
The New Digital Playground
Think about it this way: when we were kids, “going outside to play” didn’t always mean organized sport. Sometimes it was chasing your mates around the park, making up weird games, or seeing who could climb the highest tree. That’s not so different from teaming up in Rocket League, building a castle in Minecraft, or battling bosses in Terraria.
Sure, the park had fresh air, but the principle was the same: play as a form of connection, growth, and freedom.
But What About Screen Time and Moderation?
Yes—moderation still matters. Gaming shouldn't come at the cost of sleep, school, or family time. But that doesn’t mean we should fear it outright. Here’s a balanced approach:
Set healthy boundaries (e.g. no screens after 8pm, or gaming only after homework).
Use parental controls to manage access, time, and communication.
Be involved—ask about the game, watch them play, even play with them.
Gaming isn't inherently harmful—it’s how and when it's used that matters.
What Skills Are Kids Actually Building?
You might be surprised at how much learning and development happens during play. Online gaming can help kids build:
Teamwork – especially in cooperative or team-based games like Overwatch or Among Us
Resilience – learning to lose, restart, and keep trying
Communication skills – coordinating strategies through voice or text with friends
Critical thinking – problem-solving in games that require planning or strategy
Creativity – designing, building, and storytelling in sandbox games like Minecraft or Roblox Studio
Final Word: Don’t Panic—Get Curious
Gaming isn’t going away. And while it may look wildly different from how we played growing up, the why behind it hasn’t changed.
Kids still want to explore, connect, create, and have fun. The space just shifted—from the park to the pixel. And as long as there’s balance, boundaries, and communication, online gaming can be not just okay—but genuinely good for them.