Nintendo UK reveals a ‘parent confidence gap’ around children’s gaming

Gaming has become the hobby UK parents understand least, according to new research commissioned by Nintendo, with more than two thirds (68%) saying they make decisions about their child’s gaming without always feeling fully informed.

The findings reveal a clear “Parent Confidence Gap” around gaming. Seven in ten parents (71%) admit they rely on their child to explain gaming terminology, trends or issues, while one in three (34%) say understanding more about their child’s gaming would help them feel more confident making decisions.

Gaming: The Hobby Parents Understand Least
Parents are navigating a rapidly changing digital world, with conversations about social media, online safety and children’s digital lives increasingly part of family life. From debates around social media bans to the introduction of the Online Safety Act, families are trying to make informed decisions for their children.

As gaming becomes an increasingly important part of many children’s lives, the research suggests it is also the hobby parents feel most out of touch with. More than a quarter (28%) say gaming is the interest they understand least, compared with watching online content (16%), social media (15%) and sports (10%).

Questions Parents Often Ask
Parents’ concerns centre on the practical realities of gaming, including screen time (35%), exposure to inappropriate content (28%) and who children are talking to while playing (25%). The research also suggests parents are actively looking for practical support.

When asked what would help them feel more confident about their child’s gaming habits, the most common responses were guidance on managing screen time (37%), setting parental controls (32%) and understanding game content (30%). At the same time, almost one quarter (24%) say parental controls are among the gaming topics they feel least informed about.

Ellie Gibson, games journalist and co-host of Scummy Mummies, said: “A lot of the conversation around gaming focuses on the risks, but we don’t always spend enough time talking about the positives. Gaming can be creative, social and a brilliant way for families to spend time together. Not all gaming experiences are the same, and understanding what children are actually doing when they play can give parents a much more balanced view of the role gaming has in their lives.”

A Parent’s Guide to Gaming with Confidence
To help bridge this confidence gap, Nintendo has commissioned a new Parent’s Guide to Gaming with Confidence, written by family gaming expert Andy Robertson alongside experts including child psychologist Dr Amanda Gummer and games journalist Ellie Gibson.

The guide is designed to help parents feel informed, empowered and confident when navigating gaming as part of modern family life. It covers practical topics including game age ratings, online safety, screen time, parental controls and the different types of gaming experience.

Andy Robertson, family gaming expert, said: “This research matches what I find when helping parents worried about video games: the most important thing is gaining literacy about the video games their children enjoy. Rather than giving parents and carers another set of rules to enforce or actions to take, this approach empowers parents to make informed decisions about how video games work for their family. Creating the Parent’s Guide to Gaming in association with Nintendo was a chance to address fears and concerns as well as build literacy, understanding and confidence.”
Not All Gaming Is the Same
Despite their concerns, parents recognise the benefits gaming can offer. More than half (58%) believe video games can help children develop problem-solving skills, while 45% say gaming can encourage teamwork and creativity. A further 30% believe gaming can help children develop communication skills.

The guide helps parents understand that not all gaming experiences are the same and explores the benefits different games can offer, from critical thinking and persistence to independence, confidence and a sense of belonging.

The research also highlights the role gaming can play in bringing families together. More than three in five parents (61%) say they play video games with their child regularly or occasionally. Among parents who play video games with their child, 44% say it leads to more laughter, 43% say it helps them better understand their child’s interests and 38% say it creates more opportunities for conversation. Two in five (40%) also report a stronger family connection through shared gaming experiences.

Dr Amanda Gummer, child psychologist and founder of The Good Play Guide, said: “Technology is evolving so quickly that many parents feel they’re being asked to navigate a world that didn’t exist when they were growing up. I see families trying to keep pace with new games, platforms and online trends, often without the information they need to feel confident. Parents shouldn’t be expected to have all the answers. Access to trusted, practical guidance is key to helping families make informed decisions about gaming.”