Parents’ and children’s views on whether active video games are a substitute for the ‘real thing’

Abstract

Background: Research has examined the energy cost associated with playing seated and active video games (AVGs), but not whether AVGs may benefit fundamental movement skills (FMS) in typically developing children. Improving FMS proficiency is a priority given its association with physical activity. This study aimed to identify children’s and parents’ perceptions of: (1) AVGs as a tool for developing FMS and (2) whether any skills gained during AVG play had potential to transfer to real life. Methods: This qualitative descriptive study included 29 parents of children aged 9–10 years who participated in semi-structured telephone interviews and 34 children who participated in six group discussions at school. Interview and discussion group data were recorded, transcribed and analysed thematically. Results: Parents and children had different perspectives on the potential of AVGs for FMS, which largely rested on different views of ‘reality’. Parents felt AVGs were not a substitute for the ‘real thing’, and therefore had limited FMS benefits. Overall, parents thought any FMS gained through AVGs would have poor transferability to ‘real life’. In contrast, children had a more fluid and expansive view of reality which incorporated both ‘real life’ and ‘virtual’ space. Whilst children could articulate limitations of AVGs for skill learning, they still reported extensive use of AVGs as a learning tool for movement skill, and considered that skill acquisition was highly transferable. Conclusions: Despite contrasting beliefs from parents and children, children used AVGs for FMS learning. Future research needs to determine whether actual FMS benefits are gained through AVGs.

Keywords:

• fundamental movement skill
• physical activity
• sport
• focus groups
• interviews
• electronic games

Acknowledgements

Data collection for this research was supported by Deakin University. The authors would like to acknowledge Miranda Stewart and Jacqueline Reid for their contribution to data collection. Dr Barnett is supported by a National Health and Medical Early Career fellowship, Dr Ridgers is supported by an Australian Research Council Discovery Early Career researcher Award and Professor Salmon is supported by a Principal National Health and Medical Research Fellowship.

Notes

1. Please note that the parent findings relate to all 29 parents involved in the study, not just the 26 who reported initially that their children currently played AVGs.