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Abstract

This dissertation considers parental perceptions of outcomes of video gaming on young people aged 11-16. Video gaming has expanded and changed substantially since the 1980s, with most homes having access to devices and young people playing regularly. This has led to the recent classification of Internet Gaming Disorder (IGD) which is now being recognised within the addiction field and classified within the DSM-V. During the recent COVID-19 pandemic, video gaming saw an increased use to fulfil the need for socialisation and relaxation. The purpose of this study is to explore what perceived outcomes and impacts video gaming has on young people from the perspective of parents and carers. This is particularly relevant, as gaming faces a moral panic generated by the media, who portray it as entirely negative and a bad influence on young people. This is an empirical dissertation, which used a mixed methods approach to gather the data. Questionnaires were first used to gather perceptions of a larger audience, and then from that audience a smaller sample undertook semi-structured interviews to allow for a more in-depth exploration of perceptions. The results of this dissertation found that video gaming can have a number of positive impacts on young people such as increased problemsolving skills, socialisation and as a way to relax. However, there is a definite need for adult mediation through time restrictions and checking age content to mitigate any negative outcomes of video gaming, to allow for young people to game safely in a desirable way.

Course: Childhood and Youth Studies with Criminology - BA - U2807PYC

Date Deposited: 2024-05-15

URI/permalink: https://library.port.ac.uk/dissert/dis14391.html