If you’re a parent of a child over 5 years old, chances are you’ve encountered video games in some form. Whether they’re playing games on your phone, watching the Minecraft movie, or you've bought a PS5, video game culture has probably entered your home. Maybe you're a gamer yourself, like I am, and have been playing since you were a kid. Or perhaps you've never touched a video game in your life and find yourself bewildered by phrases like “chicken jockey” or “I am Steve.” I’m here to help.
As a lifelong gamer and father of two sons, I’m a strong advocate for responsible gaming. Video games can be a fantastic way to bond as a family and can offer real enjoyment. But without boundaries, they can also lead to problems—poor sleep, avoiding responsibilities, and more. The key is building healthy gaming habits early. For example, set strict limits on when your kids play video games, and for how much time. (E.g., only on the weekends, only after homework is finished, no more than 1 hour per day, etc.) The more involved you are, the better. 
Let’s start with the basics.

The Basics

Gaming is as diverse as sports. Just as “sports” can mean anything from snooker to skiing, “video games” span everything from quick solo puzzles to sprawling multiplayer adventures. If someone’s imagined it, there’s probably a game for it.
The first thing to understand is the platform—the device games are played on. The platform often determines what kinds of games are available. Let’s break down the most common ones:

Mobile Gaming (Smartphones)
This is the largest and fastest-growing segment of the gaming market—and one of the most common ways students play games, even during school hours. Got five minutes between classes? Pull out your phone and play a quick match online. Mobile games are designed to be quick, accessible, and addictive.
But here’s the issue: they tend to be lower in quality, promote constant tapping rather than thoughtful play, and are often packed with in-game purchases. These purchases, linked to Apple or Google accounts, can easily rack up unexpected charges—sometimes in the hundreds or even thousands of dollars if left unmonitored.
As a teacher, I find mobile gaming the most problematic of all platforms. It’s harder to supervise, encourages impulsive spending, and often distracts from learning. My advice: avoid mobile games if possible, and keep them off your child’s phone entirely.

Console Gaming (PlayStation, Xbox, Nintendo Switch)
These are dedicated systems made for gaming—think classic brands like Atari, Nintendo, Sega. Today’s consoles include the PlayStation 5 (PS5), Xbox Series X|S, and the newly released Nintendo Switch 2.
Unlike mobile games, most console games aren’t focused on microtransactions and offer rich, complete experiences. They can be pricey—consoles start at around $400, and individual games cost $50–80—but they offer better value in the long run.
The big benefit for parents? You can monitor what your child is doing. These systems are usually hooked up to the living room TV, so you can easily glance at what they’re playing. They also support local co-op, meaning multiple people can play together on one screen. Our family loves Mario Kart, and yes—there’s even a digital Monopoly on PlayStation! Most also offer dedicated parental controls, or built in control apps to help you monitor and restrict usage and features.

PC Gaming (Laptops and Desktops)
This is gaming on a computer—anything from a basic laptop running Minecraft to a $5,000 custom-built rig with cutting-edge graphics.
PC gaming appeals more to teens and adults, especially those into tech. Some games on PC aren’t available on consoles and may be more complex or niche. That said, there are significant drawbacks for parents, especially around supervision.
If your child is gaming on a laptop behind a bedroom door, you likely have no idea what they’re doing—or who they’re talking to. Which brings us to a crucial distinction:

Online Multiplayer vs. Local Single-Player
If you’re a parent, pay attention to this. When I was a kid in the '80s and '90s, gaming meant playing with friends who were physically in the room. Today, most kids play online—with friends or complete strangers. That stranger could be another 9-year-old… or a 39-year-old.
This is especially true with PC gaming. Apps like Discord allow for voice, video, and text chatting while playing. They also connect users to public forums. While some communities are safe and fun, many are unmoderated and inappropriate for young children.
Because of the risks involved, I do not recommend unsupervised PC gaming for younger kids.

So What’s Ideal?

Start with single-player games at home, on a big family TV. Use a child-friendly console like the Nintendo Switch. If you try multiplayer, stick to local co-op games the whole family can enjoy together. Avoid mobile and PC-based gaming, especially online-focused games.
Here are a few specific suggestions by age:

• Ages 5–9: Start with a retro console like the Super Nintendo or Sega Genesis. The updated “Mini” versions (available online) come with built-in games, no internet connection, and are perfect for nostalgic, low-risk fun.
• Ages 8–12: Try the Switch 2. It’s portable, easy to use, and packed with kid-friendly titles. Great options for family play include Mario Kart 9, Overcooked 2, and Stardew Valley. Nintendo consoles are known for lasting quality and age-appropriate content.

I hope this guide gives you a better understanding of how to navigate video games as a parent. I genuinely love gaming—and love sharing it with my kids. With the right approach, it can be a meaningful and fun part of your family’s life.
Feel free to reach out at jgorski@aas-sofia.org if you’d like more recommendations or advice. I’m happy to help.