Parents Encouraged to Play Video Games with Their Kids

• Vodafone’s #FamilySquad initiative gives parents the skills to game with their kids and stay safe online

• Superstar gamer Ali A Put Tess Daly & Sally Phillips through their gaming paces as part of the #FamilySquad bootcamp

• Watch all the action from the #FamilySquad bootcamp here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NM-xNl7Yl0k

New research has revealed that parents are failing to understand their kids’ gaming habits – with two thirds (65%) admitting they know less about gaming than their kids do, and half (50%) admitting to not knowing the age rating of the video games in their household.

The survey by Vodafone UK also found that 42% of parents say their kids “ignore them” while gaming, and a quarter of parents (25%) have caught their kids downloading games without permission.

The research also revealed:

• Almost a third of parents (31%) say their kids will go into a bad mood if they lose at gaming

• Over half (51%) get annoyed if a bad internet connection interrupts their gaming

• 46% per cent of parents wish their kids spent less time playing video games

• 47% worry how long their children spend gaming

• 28% say their kids will have a tantrum if they are stopped from gaming

To help bridge the knowledge gap, Vodafone UK has launched its inaugural #FamilySquad initiative with celebrity mums Tess Daly and Sally Phillips, who were taught to game with YouTube star and gaming expert Ali A at a special bootcamp.

The bootcamp – which will be piloted in the UK – aims to help parents learn to play games, as well as understand gaming from their child’s perspective, so that they can ensure they are both safe and responsible online and while gaming.

Online gamer and YouTube and CBBC star, Ali A, was chief coach for Vodafone’s gaming bootcamp. Tess and Sally were also joined by family YouTubers Morgz Mum, Family Fizz and Gorgeous Movies. 

The #FamilySquad received a fast-track coaching session in how to play current gaming sensation ‘Fortnite’, as well as some top tips for family gaming at home. These included advice on staying safe online, and the importance of superfast home broadband. There were lots of laughs during the bootcamp but some serious messages too; one of Ali’s key tips is to get involved with your children’s online games – if you know what they are doing you are better placed to help keep them safe.

Strictly Come Dancing presenter and mum-of-two Tess Daly, 48, said: 

“It’s important to understand the dangers online, you want to keep an eye on how long they are online. You want to give them breaks, get them outside, kick a ball, walk the dogs – so it’s all about moderation and balance.”

Bridget Jones star Sally Phillips, 47, who has three sons, said: 

“My kids love gaming but I was basically frightened of it. My middle son kept asking to play together as a reward so when Vodafone gave me the opportunity to learn to game from the best gamers around I leapt at the chance.”

YouTuber Ali A, 24, known for his gaming videos and has 11 million followers. He added: 

“The guys were great, and showed real promise – or at least they promised to pass on tips to their kids. One of the cardinal sins in gaming is dropping out of a game at a vital moment. So make sure you have reliable and superfast broadband.  I recommend Vodafone because it guarantees a minimum speed.”

 The Vodafone Home Broadband Ultimate Speed Guarantee is available across all Vodafone Home Broadband packages – meaning that you and your kids’ gaming experiences will be uninterrupted. The Vodafone Broadband app makes it quick and easy to check sync speed so customers always know what speed they are getting.

If you are a parent and would like more advice on responsible gaming, download Vodafone’s Digital Parenting magazine here: www.vodafonedigitalparenting.co.uk

For more #FamilySquad bootcamp fun, family gaming competitions and advice on gaming with your children visit Vodafone UK’s Facebook, Instagram and Twitter pages.

 ** For content via YouTube or an embed link please use the following: 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NM-xNl7Yl0k

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