Level up with digital gaming tips for young players

Digital games help young people connect, learn and unwind. Let’s explore how parents can support safe, healthy gaming habits.

2 minute read

Understanding the digital lives of young people

At Telstra Foundation, we work with partners like ReachOut, Digital Child and Orygen Digital to better understand the digital lives of young people - including their experiences with gaming.

For many young people, gaming is more than just a pastime - it’s a way to connect, learn and explore. But for parents and carers, it can sometimes feel like unfamiliar terrain. How much is too much? What’s safe? And how can we support our kids to game in healthy, balanced ways?

Here are our practical tips if you're a parent or carer navigating this space.

Start with curiosity, not control

Instead of jumping straight to limits or rules, ask your young person what they enjoy about gaming. What games do they play? Who do they play with? What do they learn? This opens the door to trust and ongoing conversations.

Understand the social side

Gaming is often a social activity. Many young people use games to stay connected with friends or meet new people. Encourage open dialogue about who they’re interacting with and how they manage those relationships.

Set boundaries together

Rather than imposing screen time limits, co-create boundaries that work for your family. Learn more about balancing screen time for families.

This might include device-free dinners, agreed-upon gaming hours or balancing gaming with other activities like sport, sleep and schoolwork. Discover how to stay connected through tech.

Know the warning signs

ReachOut and Orygen Digital highlight that while gaming can be positive, it’s important to watch for signs of distress - like withdrawal from offline activities, disrupted sleep or increased irritability. If you’re concerned, support is available.

Use trusted resources

ReachOut Parents offers articles and forums to help you talk to your young person about gaming and mental health.
Digital Child provides research-backed insights into how digital play affects child development.
Orygen Digital is pioneering digital mental health tools - including gamified therapies - that show how tech can be part of the solution.
eSafety Commissioner has a dedicated page to help people learn how to stay safe while gaming.

Model healthy habits

Young people learn from what we do. Show them how you take breaks from screens, manage stress and stay connected offline.

Get the best out of gaming

Gaming can be a powerful part of a young person’s life - full of creativity, connection and challenge. With the right support, parents and carers can help young people play safely and thrive in the digital world. Explore healthy gaming habits for children.