Managing children's social media and online gaming - Parenting Limerick

IN our article last week we focused on screentime. This week we focus specifically on social media and online gaming.
The issue of online gaming has come into sharper focus in the last few weeks with the Prime Time focus on Roblox, an online gaming platform for primary school children. As well as the vulnerabilities that were exposed on online gaming platforms for children, it also establishes the habit of online gaming into teenage years.
One of the most significant changes over recent decades has been the shift in how young people socialise. Teenagers spend less time interacting face-to-face than previous generations. Social media, messaging and online gaming can help them stay connected, but they do not fully replace the depth of in-person communication. Reduced face-to-face time may lead to fewer opportunities for social skill development, conflict resolution and empathy.

READ MORE: Managing screen time - Parenting Limerick
For teenagers, social media is also a major influence on self-esteem and mental health. They may compare themselves to others, feel pressure to look or act a certain way, or experience cyberbullying. The 'compare and despair' cycle; seeing idealised images, assuming others have perfect lives, and feeling inadequate, can impact self-worth. Teenagers may also experience fear of missing out (FOMO), which can increase anxiety and make it harder to unplug.
Gaming has also become one of the most popular and engaging forms of screen use for young people. Games like Fortnite, Roblox and Minecraft create immersive worlds where children can build, compete, collaborate and create. Many games offer positive cognitive benefits, improving strategic thinking, planning and coordination. However, like any enjoyable activity, gaming can become problematic when it begins to dominate a young person’s day. Signs of problematic gaming include:
• Thinking about games constantly
• Becoming upset when unable to play
• Needing to spend more time gaming to feel satisfied
• Difficulty stopping even when wanting to
• Loss of interest in hobbies or friendships
• Ignoring negative effects, such as tiredness or falling grades
• Playing to escape emotional stress
• Lying about gaming time
Problematic gaming can affect sleep, mood, schoolwork and relationships. Some young people may find gaming particularly appealing because it offers a sense of achievement, control or belonging that feels harder to access offline. Online communities can offer support, friendship and shared interests, but some digital spaces also expose young people to negativity, conflict, or harmful content. Gaming platforms in particular often include live chats or private messaging, which can bring children into contact with strangers. While many interactions are harmless, there is a real risk of exposure to inappropriate language and behaviour or, in more serious cases, online predators who may try to build trust with young players. Without adult guidance, young people may struggle to recognise unsafe online behaviours.
Parents play an important role in helping children navigate these online worlds safely. Using parental controls, such as controlling in-game chat, managing privacy settings, and limiting access to age-appropriate content can reduce children’s exposure to harmful material and reduce risky interactions. When paired with open conversations about staying safe online, these strategies help protect young people and allow them to enjoy online communities more safely. Check out our top tips, taken from Webwise, for more guidance.

This article was written by Diekololaoluwa Amujo, psychology assistant with the HSE Primary Care Child and Family Service, Limerick. This service is a member of Parenting Limerick, a network of parenting and family support services across Limerick city and county.