Teacher Tea
Beyond the Surface: Understanding the Depth of Student Gaming
We certainly hear a lot about the latest video games from our students, but do we really know what they are, and how much they're playing them?
The most popular online gaming platforms are perhaps Roblox and Fortnite. Each platform offers distinct experiences for our children, and it can be helpful to know what exactly they're playing, how they interact with these online experiences, and how much screen time they're really getting.
Roblox is a platform on which users can both play and create games. It is essentially a vast library of user-generated content, in which players can design their own games using Roblox Studio and share them with others. Roblox contains a huge variety of game genres, from role-playing and simulations to obstacle courses and action games. It is a very popular (and very social) platform for younger audiences.
Fortnite, in contrast, is a specific game that is best known for its “Battle Royale” mode, where players fight to be the last one standing. It is, however, also known for its “Creative” mode, which allows players to build their own islands and experiences. Fortnite is published by Epic Games, and it features high-quality graphics and a more action-oriented gameplay style. Fortnite has also evolved to be a very social platform, hosting virtual concerts and other events.
Students' use of video games can impact their academic performance and social interactions when it is in excess. Such excessive gaming may contribute to difficulties with focus and engagement in class. Proponents of video game play will point to the potential benefits of gaming, such as enhanced problem-solving skills and creativity. But teachers play a role in guiding students towards a balanced approach to technology use, regardless of the particular game, and helping them develop critical thinking about digital consumption. Understanding students’ gaming habits allows us, as their teachers, to better support their learning and overall development.
If we do allow our own children access to video games, how can we utilize parental control tools effectively? How can schools, parents, and community organizations cooperate in promoting healthy screen habits?
In her article for After Babel, “Raising Screen-Free Boys,” author Katherine Johnson Martinko shares her experience of raising three sons—now aged 15, 13, and 9—with minimal exposure to screens, like video games, TV, tablets, or smartphones. Drawing from personal observations, parenting experts, and research for her 2023 book, Childhood Unplugged: Practical Advice to Get Kids Off Screens and Find Balance, Martinko reflects on the benefits and challenges of this lifestyle choice.
Without the presence of screens, Martinko's home is characterized by noise and activity. Her sons engage in physical play, sports, and creative activities, all of which lead to a lively household environment.
Martinko notes that homes with abundant screen-based entertainment often seem quieter, with children engrossed in individual devices. She observes that while screens can serve as convenient babysitters, they may limit real-world engagement and physical activity. Her sons do face challenges when friends invite them to play online games, like the aforementioned Roblox and Fortnite. Martinko acknowledges the difficulty in restricting online interactions, but believes in nurturing higher-quality offline experiences instead.
Citing Professor Jonathan Haidt's concept of a “push-pull” effect when it comes to technology use, she discusses how boys may feel alienated in society, and drawn to virtual worlds that offer a sense of agency. She argues, however, that video games and online content are insufficient substitutes for in-person social interactions.
Martinko critiques the sedentary, screen-based learning prevalent in schools as well, because it clashes with boys' need for physical activity. (This is not to say that girls do not need physical activity, only that Martinko refers to her own personal experiences in raising boys.) She also addresses the culture of “safetyism,” suggesting that overemphasis on safety restricts boys' natural tendencies for rough play and risk-taking. She concludes with a clear message: parents need a balanced approach to technology that allows children to engage in physical activities and develop resilience without the pervasive influence of screens.
A home filled with silence because children are glued to screens is not a sign of peace, but of detachment. Family life has historically been characterized by active engagement—parents teaching, children playing, and siblings interacting—rather than passive entertainment. While modern conveniences may tempt parents to use screens as babysitters, this undermines the development of strong family bonds and real-world skills. As Martinko notes, boys, in particular, thrive through physical activity and hands-on experiences, not isolated in virtual worlds. Raising children without excessive screen time preserves their ability to connect with others and embrace the responsibilities of adulthood.