Video Games Can Strengthen Family Bonds, Hong Kong YMCA Survey Finds

Parents and children who play video games together report their relationships as 20 percent stronger than those who do not, according to a survey by a Hong Kong non-profit organisation.

The Chinese YMCA of Hong Kong on Sunday urged parents to adopt a new approach to supervising their children’s gaming habits, encouraging families to participate in such activities together rather than merely observing.

The group issued this call after conducting a survey on the experiences and attitudes of parents, young children, and teenagers towards playing video games together.

“Instead of being an observer, or telling kids they should not play, parents should become participants and play with their children so they can know what they are playing and who they play with,” said Phoebe See Man-yan, the organisation’s coordinating secretary.

As part of its survey, the group polled 2,271 youngsters and teenagers aged six to 18 and 1,283 parents in their twenties, thirties, forties, and older between August and November last year. It also conducted in-depth interviews with 14 youngsters and eight parents in March this year to gather additional information.