Parental Guidance, Regulation, and Support in Gaming
摘要
The increasing prevalence of digital gaming among children and adolescents necessitates active parental involvement to foster healthy gaming habits and mitigate potential risks. This chapter explores the multifaceted role of parents in regulating, supervising, and supporting gaming behaviors. It examines the cognitive, social, and developmental impacts of gaming, highlighting the benefits of balanced engagement and the risks of excessive use, including Internet gaming disorder (IGD), sleep disruption, and social isolation. Different parental mediation strategies—such as restrictive mediation, active mediation, joint use, and supervised use—are discussed, emphasizing the importance of parental literacy regarding gaming content and practices. Additionally, the chapter provides practical guidelines for setting healthy gaming routines, choosing appropriate age content, and promoting a diversified lifestyle that balances digital and non-digital activities. By fostering open communication, setting clear boundaries, and modeling responsible digital behavior, parents can help children and adolescents maximize the positive aspects of gaming while minimizing adverse outcomes.