Dutch Parents Embrace Understanding Over Control in Children’s Gaming habits, New Research Shows
Amsterdam, November 25th – A new study by the Video Games Federation of the Netherlands (VGFN), conducted by DVJ Insights among 1,030 parents of children aged 4-17 who play video games, reveals a growing trend towards informed engagement with children’s gaming. The research indicates that 88% of parents feel they have adequate oversight of their child’s video game activity, and overwhelmingly, parents recognize positive benefits associated with gaming.
While maintaining boundaries remains notable, the study highlights a shift in parental focus. Parents are increasingly seeking to understand the games their children play, rather than simply restricting access. Many actively establish rules around gaming,with 67% requiring homework completion before playtime,37% linking gaming to positive behavior,and 76% setting weekly time limits. Gaming is most commonly permitted after school or on weekends, according to 66% of parents surveyed.
A key finding is the strong desire for details. Nearly half of parents (47%) expressed a wish to better understand the games their children are playing, demonstrating a greater need for content awareness than for technical parental control tools. A majority (63%) prefer to access this information through informative websites.
“This research demonstrates that Dutch parents are proactively involved in their children’s digital lives,” says Martijn schenderling, General Manager of VGFN.”They’re looking for reliable information to navigate the world of video games alongside their children.”
The study also reinforces the perceived benefits of gaming. Over half of parents (57%) believe video games improve their child’s English language skills, while 53% see a positive impact on creativity. Approximately 31% report benefits to intelligence and social skills, with many also noting gaming provides relaxation, fun, and improved concentration.
The VGFN emphasizes that understanding fosters connection.by engaging with the content of the games their children play, parents can open lines of dialog, build trust, and achieve a healthy balance between enjoyment and obligation.
Parents seeking information and resources can find them at www.rulethegame.nl,wich offers game explanations,practical tools for setting agreements,and guidance on responsible gaming.
disclaimer: This article is a submitted article and is beyond the responsibility of the editors.
