Nintendo has announced a new initiative aimed at parents who want to better understand the world of video games and keep up with their children’s gaming habits. The company’s UK division has launched the Parent’s Guide to Gaming with Confidence, a free resource covering online safety, age ratings, playtime, and parental control tools.

Inside The Nintendo Guide

The guide was developed in partnership with the Family Gaming Database after a Nintendo-commissioned survey found that 68% of British parents make decisions about their children’s gaming without feeling fully informed.

The survey also showed that 71% of respondents rely on their own children to understand gaming-related expressions, trends, and issues. In addition, 28% said video games are the interest of their children that they understand the least, ranking above activities such as watching online videos, using social media, and playing sports.

The results help explain why many parents and guardians struggle to set limits or assess which experiences are appropriate for different age groups.

Online Safety and Playtime Are Among Parents’ Main Concerns

Among the parents surveyed, 35% said they were concerned about how much time their children spend in front of screens, while 28% pointed to the risk of exposure to inappropriate content. Another 25% cited interactions with strangers during online matches as one of their main concerns.

When asked what kind of information would help them, 37% said they would like guidance on managing playtime. Another 32% were interested in learning how to set up parental controls, while 30% wanted to better understand the content of video games.

Nintendo’s guide is designed to address those needs, explaining how to identify age-appropriate games and use tools that allow parents to keep track of their children’s gaming experience. However, the initiative is not limited to highlighting risks or recommending restrictions.

Video game journalist Ellie Gibson, who contributed to the guide, noted that discussions around gaming often overlook the positive aspects of the medium. According to her, video games can also encourage creativity, support social interaction, and create opportunities for families to spend time together.

Child psychologist Amanda Gummer, founder of The Good Play Guide, added that the rapid pace of technological change can make it difficult for parents to keep up with new developments. In her view, providing practical and reliable information is essential to help families make more informed decisions.

The Parent’s Guide to Gaming with Confidence is available for free as a PDF, in English. Although the initiative was developed for a UK audience, its guidance may also be useful to families in other countries looking to better understand children’s relationship with video games.