“Parenting a Gamer”: What You Need to Know to Keep Your Kids Safe Online

July 1, 2026 - 04:44

A new book, "Parenting a Gamer" by Andrew Fishman, aims to help parents navigate the complex digital landscape their children inhabit. Rather than simply warning against screen time, the guide focuses on building healthy habits, encouraging positive choices, and finding real balance within virtual spaces. Fishman breaks down the often confusing aspects of online gaming, from in-game purchases and social interactions to the risks of exposure to strangers and toxic behavior.

The book does not demonize gaming. Instead, it treats it as a significant part of modern childhood that requires active, informed parenting. Fishman offers practical strategies for setting boundaries without causing rebellion, recognizing warning signs of problematic play, and fostering open conversations about what happens behind the screen. He emphasizes that understanding the games kids play is the first step toward keeping them safe.

For many parents who feel outmatched by technology, "Parenting a Gamer" provides a clear, non-judgmental roadmap. It acknowledges that gaming can offer benefits like problem-solving skills and social connection, but it also demands vigilance. The core message is that parental involvement, not restriction, is the key to helping children thrive in both real and digital worlds.