Recently the UK’s Futurelab organisation published a report about ‘the benefits and risks to children’s wellbeing and learning associated with playing computer games.’ As most of us either have children or relatives who are children who play computer games and/or are considering introducing or have introduced gaming into schools, this report will be of interest.

questions addressed included:

• What role do computer games play in the social, leisure and informal learning activities of families (parents and their children)?
• What are the attitudes and perceptions of family members towards the benefits and risks of playing computer games?
• How can we support parents and their children to appreciate and understand the benefits and risks associated with playing computer games?

Three documents outlining the project and results are available.

• Gaming_in_Families_survey_analysis
• Gaming_in_Families_review_09
• Games_Families_Final_Report

One of the key findings was

Parents and young people, that is, those aged 5-15, perceived that there were benefits to playing video games as a family, with the main motivation being enjoyment.

The important aspect of this is communication and connectedness within the family for building and maintaining good relationships. This should be applicable to school as well.