Grassroots esports has made impressive strides in recent years, but it still has a long way to go before it gains the same level of acceptance as traditional sports. One key reason for this gap is the genuine concern many parents have about the potential for unhealthy gaming habits.
It's true. We know that some players do struggle with problematic gaming, and parents naturally want to protect their children from addiction.
One of the current barriers to a thriving esports culture is that a passion for gaming and a problem with gaming look far too similar. But the reality is more nuanced than it seems. Problematic gaming is never just about the games themselves. It's always a more complex picture involving mental health, family dynamics, and unmet needs in real life. The best thing we can do for our kids—and for the future of esports—is to create a shared understanding between everyone involved.
It starts with parents and honest conversations.
We need to get this right.
Esports performance coaching could be what safeguards some of our kids from a problem with gaming.
By focusing on what makes us high performing humans, we build the culture, discipline, focus and mindset that is needed to perform well at - anything.
GameAware Free Parent Q&As
GameAware's free parent Q&A series helps parents and schools minimise the harms and maximise the benefits from gaming. We cover fundamental topics around motivation, mental health, esports performance and neurodivergent gamers.