As I continue this series of blogs, I arrive at the topic of gaming and our children. I live in house of youth that are involved in gaming, in fact, one of my sons is an e-sports college athlete. He has been offered college scholarships to schools around the nation. I understand the gaming world well.
Video games are one of the most popular pastimes for children and teenagers in America today. While some games may offer harmless entertainment, I believe in some cases the widespread obsession with gaming has created an environment where young hearts and minds are being shaped more by screens than by Scripture. As Kingdom educators, parents, and church leaders, we must consider how gaming influences the next generation and how we can point them toward Christ instead.
Gaming by the Numbers
The statistics surrounding gaming reveal just how deeply it has captured the attention of youth:
- 85% of U.S. teens play video games, with 41% playing every day (Pew Research, 2024).Among teens who admit they game “too much,” 41% say it hurts their sleep and 39% say it negatively affects schoolwork.
- Even younger children are following this trend. Kids ages 8 and under average 38 minutes of gaming per day, while children ages 5–8 average 64 minutes daily.
- Teenagers and young adults (ages 15–24) spend around 58 minutes a day gaming, and children under 18 on Roblox alone average 152 minutes daily.
- A national study of children ages 6–17 found that 4+ hours of screen time per day is strongly linked to increased risks of anxiety, depression, ADHD, and conduct problems.
These numbers demonstrate that gaming is not just casual recreation — for many children, it is a powerful influence shaping their behavior, priorities, and worldview.
The Biblical Warning
Scripture warns us against allowing anything to gain mastery over our lives. Paul wrote, “All things are lawful unto me, but all things are not expedient: all things are lawful for me, but I will not be brought under the power of any” (1 Corinthians 6:12). When children cannot step away from the screen, gaming has moved from entertainment to enslavement.
Additionally, Romans 12:2 calls us to resist worldly patterns: “And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God.” Yet many games promote violence, rebellion, greed, and impurity. When young minds are discipled more by these digital messages than by God’s Word, they are being conformed to the world rather than transformed by Christ.
Kingdom Education and the Call to Discipleship
Kingdom Education seeks to align all areas of life — including leisure — under the authority of Christ. It is not enough for children to receive Bible lessons in school or church while spending hours daily immersed in content that dulls their conscience and distracts their focus. Parents and teachers must work together to disciple children in the way of the Lord.
Deuteronomy 6:6–7 reminds us: “And these words, which I command thee this day, shall be in thine heart: And thou shalt teach them diligently unto thy children, and shalt talk of them when thou sittest in thine house, and when thou walkest by the way, and when thou liest down, and when thou risest up.” This means Christian families should intentionally set boundaries for gaming and replace excessive screen time with activities that encourage worship, learning, family conversation, and real-life service.
A Path Forward
The negative influence of gaming is undeniable — lost sleep, declining academics, damaged relationships, and spiritual distraction. Yet God has equipped His people with wisdom to guide children into freedom. By prioritizing Christ-centered discipleship over digital entertainment, families and educators can help youth grow in self-control, discipline, and joy in the Lord.
The question for every parent and educator is this: Who will disciple the next generation — the gaming industry or the Kingdom of God?
Mr. Euler has 27 years’ experience working in Christian Schools, 17 as a Head of School and is currently the Head of School at Word of God Academy, Shreveport, LA., a ministry of Word of God Ministries.
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