Better Internet for Kids

A popular guide for parents updated

The Media Council for Children and Young People (awareness centre) and the Centre for Digital Youth Care (helpline) celebrated SID by relaunching an updated version of the popular guide for parents: 'Children are gamers!'. The guide was originally published in 2021 and continues to be sought after by parents, caregivers, educators and relevant professionals. This update includes new and relevant information on children and young people's use of digital games, covering themes such as in-game purchases, time spent on gaming and the social element of video games.

Also included in the update is a brand-new chapter which focusses on user-retention in videogames. It provides parents and caregivers with examples of mechanisms in video games that have the purpose of making users spend more time than they may want to on a specific game or platform. These types of mechanisms are hard to navigate and can be particularly challenging for children and young people. Therefore, the guide also encourages parents to have a continuous dialogue with their children on video games.

Focus on the experiences of children and young people 

In order to include the perspective of children and young people on SID, the Media Council for Children and Young People and the Centre for Digital Youth Care collaborated with a large group of fifth graders, some of whom were interviewed for three videos. In the videos, the children explain why they play games, talk about playing with their parents and provide definitions of skins, free-to-play games, battle passes, and more gaming-specific terminology. Watch the video on YouTube (English subtitles are available).

I play because I can stay in touch with my friends. 

The quote above is from one of the fifth-grade students, who was asked why they play video games. The sentiment was shared by the student’s classmates, and many of them saw gaming as a social activity. When asked about their parents, just a few of the students currently played video games with them, but many would like to try.

It is therefore hoped that the videos and the guide will inspire and help parents engage in their children's use of digital games, empowering children to have safer gaming experiences and discuss any concerns with their parents and caregivers.

Find out more about Safer Internet Day in Denmark or learn about the work of the Danish Safer Internet Centre more generally.