The Pros and Cons of Video Games on Your Child's School Life

Understanding the Impact of Video Games on Academics

As a parent, you want your child to succeed at school, stay focused during homework time, and also have some space to relax and have fun. If video games have found their way into your home—through consoles, tablets, or mobile devices—you're not alone. And you're likely wondering: are these games helping or hurting your child's learning?

The answer, like many things in parenting, is not simple. Some video games can boost creativity, problem-solving, and motivation. Others may be too time-consuming or stressful, interfering with sleep, attention, or academic confidence. The key is understanding how these games intersect with your child’s school experience, and adjusting expectations and routines accordingly.

The Positive Side: More Than Just Screen Time

Not all video games are created equally. Some can foster incredible skills—when played in moderation and with parental involvement. For instance, sandbox games like Minecraft encourage design thinking, spatial awareness, and even basic coding logic. Puzzle and strategy games can strengthen memory and attention span. Certain titles—especially those with rich storytelling—spark emotional engagement and critical thinking.

Research has shown that games involving building, decision-making, or goal-setting can simulate real-world learning environments. In some cases, they can even increase motivation to learn. If your child struggles with traditional homework, a well-designed game might reinforce math, problem-solving, or reading skills in a way school never could.

Our article on how certain video games can inspire kids to learn covers this in more detail—with examples of games that help children engage with ideas beyond school walls.

The Trouble Spots: When Gaming Gets in the Way

Unfortunately, not every gaming session has an educational upside. If your child regularly rushes through homework to get back to their favorite game, or becomes agitated when asked to stop playing, there may be an imbalance.

Excessive screen time—especially late in the evening—can affect sleep, focus, and academic performance the next day. Fast-paced games with constant rewards can also make traditional tasks like reading or writing feel less stimulating by comparison.

Worse, if video games become a coping mechanism for school-related stress, they might prevent your child from learning healthy ways to manage frustration. Some children begin using games to avoid challenging assignments or interactions at school.

For practical strategies on how to set reasonable, respectful boundaries, check out this article on limiting video games without hindering your child's independent learning.

Finding Balance: Blending Video Games and Learning

Balance doesn't mean banning video games. It means making thoughtful choices and practicing consistent routines. Here are a few guiding thoughts that can help:

• Talk about the games. Ask your child what they like, what they’re learning, and how it makes them feel. These conversations give you insight into their mindset and interests.
• Create a schedule together. Rather than issuing rules, involve your child in setting fair limits. For example, gaming can happen after homework, or only on weekends.
• Introduce alternatives. If your child turns to games for fun or comfort, help them discover other absorbing ways to unwind. Reading, drawing, physical activity, or listening to stories can all meet those same needs.

One wonderful alternative for screen-free downtime is the LISN Kids App, which offers original audiobooks and audio series tailored for kids aged 3–12. Whether your child needs a calm story before bed or a creative spark between homework sessions, LISN Kids encourages imagination—without adding more screen time. You can find it on iOS and Android.

Video Games as a Shared Language

Instead of seeing video games as competition to school, what if we saw them as a bridge? Children often open up when talking about their favorite worlds, characters, and achievements. Parents who listen and engage—even for 15 minutes—can turn gaming moments into trust-building opportunities.

And when interest meets learning, beautiful things can happen. If your child is fascinated by city-building games, talk about architecture, geography, or resource management. If they love science-fiction worlds, read space-themed stories or do stargazing together.

You might explore our guide on integrating video games into a balanced routine, which includes ways to connect screen play to offline curiosity.

Embracing Curiosity While Setting Compassionate Limits

At the end of the day, video games are neither heroes nor villains when it comes to your child's education. They're tools—tools that can support love of learning or undermine it, depending on context, content, and boundaries. Your role isn't to control every screen your child sees, but to guide them toward thoughtful, healthy choices.

That might mean adjusting expectations, trying something new, or finding shared ground. And it might mean learning to say no—with empathy—when there's too much of a “good” thing.

Your curiosity, patience, and willingness to tune in to your child's experience are already doing far more than you think.

Want more examples of how video games and academics can work hand-in-hand? Here’s another helpful piece about whether combining video games and education is a missed opportunity or not.