Playing video games in lockdown ‘helping children with their mental health’

Playing video games has become a vital resource for young people to socialise with friends during the latest lockdown, according to new research.

A study by gaming accessories firm HyperX found that more than half of 13 to 18-year-olds are using games to stay connected with friends in lockdown.

It suggests that young people see video games as the preferred medium for socialising over social media or messaging and video calling apps.

The study also asked parents for their views and 77% of those asked said they believed gaming in lockdown had helped their child stay in touch with friends and half agreed it had helped with their child’s mental health.

However, despite acknowledging the social and mental health benefits, many parents still view video games as a waste of time.

Only 33% of parents said they thought gaming was a productive use of time.

Commenting on the research, Dr…