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@article{177801,
        author = {Rhonda Divecha and Ayesha Siddiqui},
        title = {DIGITAL GAMES IN YOUTH DEVELOPMENT: PERSPECTIVES OF PARENTS AND ADOLESCENTS (15–19 YEARS)},
        journal = {International Journal of Innovative Research in Technology},
        year = {2025},
        volume = {11},
        number = {12},
        pages = {3381-3385},
        issn = {2349-6002},
        url = {https://ijirt.org/article?manuscript=177801},
        abstract = {This study investigated the perception of digital games among parents and youth aged 15–19 years, with a particular emphasis on their potential as educational tools. With digital gaming becoming increasingly prevalent among adolescents, this research aimed at understanding the awareness, attitudes, and concerns held by both youth and their parents regarding the influence of digital games on learning, behavior, and daily life. Utilizing self-constructed tools comprising both close-ended and open-ended questions, the study engaged 43 parents and an equal number of youth participants. The data collection instruments explored preferences in game genres, daily usage, cognitive and behavioural effects, and both the positive and negative impacts of gaming. While youth favoured action-oriented games for their entertainment and challenge, many also acknowledged benefits such as improved problem-solving, decision-making, and strategic thinking. At the same time, they recognized drawbacks such as eye strain, poor time management, emotional disturbances, and decreased physical activity. Parents expressed a dual perception: they acknowledged the developmental benefits of certain games—particularly those that foster critical thinking—but were also concerned about aggression, social isolation, and academic distraction. A significant portion of parents reported difficulty in consistently monitoring or limiting screen time, especially given the immersive nature of digital games and the busy schedules of modern family life. The research concludes that while digital games have notable educational potential, this is best realized when both parents and youth adopt balanced and informed approaches. Guidelines developed as part of this study advocate for shared decision-making, self-monitoring by youth, content-aware supervision by parents, and integration of alternative recreational activities. The findings emphasize the need for increased digital literacy and proactive parental involvement to ensure that digital games are used constructively.},
        keywords = {Digital Games, Youth Development, Parent and Adolescent Perspectives, Educational Potential of Digital Games, Youth Autonomy vs. Parental Regulation},
        month = {May},
        }