A new survey has revealed that video games have become a key part of family bonding in the UK, with parents and children spending an average of four nights a month together. The poll of 1,000 six to 12 year olds and their parents found that watching films and playing video games are the top two activities for family nights in.
The research, commissioned by Konami for the launch of the Nintendo Switch game ‘Survival Kids’, showed that 56% of parents make an effort to regularly set aside quality time with their family. Other popular activities include cooking together, hosting quizzes, and doing crafts, while children also enjoy making dance videos, building blanket forts, and having ‘spa nights’.
A staggering 86% of parents identified as video gamers, and 90% regularly play co-op games with their children. Among children who play games with their parents, 80% find it enjoyable, 67% appreciate the quality time, and 56% enjoy the team spirit. In many cases, parents introduced gaming to their children (58%), but in 36% of families, the children introduced the games.
The study highlighted the positive impact of shared gaming: 66% of parents believe these nights enhance their family’s mood and relationships, and many reported that their child has opened up to them since they started playing video games together. A Konami spokesperson said: “Setting aside just a few nights a month allows parents and children to forget their worries and simply have fun together.”
