Game on! Host Bo McMillan sits down with Child Life Specialist Matt Flynn on the latest episode of the Young & Healthy Podcast to talk about video games, screen time and healthy gaming habits. They talk about the game worlds kids love and balancing them with the real world. 

Matt explains the difference between passive scrolling on TikTok and active video gaming. He also shares his thoughts on how electronics and games can both support and challenge childhood development. Spoiler, there are skills kids can learn from gaming that can be applied to real-life situations.

Listeners will learn how to keep their kids safe in online gaming and make sure that their children are connecting instead of isolating themselves. Whether you’re a parent, educator, or gamer, this episode offers practical insights on screen time, healthy gaming habits, and childhood growth. Power up, grab a seat and dive in for an insightful conversation. 

Resources: 

To learn more about Child Life at Cincinnati Children’s, visit Child Life | Child and Adolescent Psychiatry 

To learn more about game ratings, visit the Entertainment Software Rating Board (ESRB) website ESRB Ratings | Entertainment Software Rating Board 

For other media and entertainment information to keep your family up to date on all things media, visit the following websites: 

Common Sense Media: Age-Based Media Reviews for Families | Common Sense Media 

TechCrunch | Startup and Technology News 

WIRED - The Latest in Technology, Science, Culture and Business | WIRED 

Chapter Markers: 

00:00:53 – What is a Child Life Specialist? 

00:02:31 – Is There a Difference Between Scrolling and Playing Games? 

00:05:21 – In What Ways Do Electronics and Games Support Childhood Development? 

00:07:25 – How Can Skills Learned from Games Apply to Life? 

00:11:37 – Do Video Games Negatively Impact Childhood Development? 

00:13:22 – Are There Signs Screen Time Is Affecting Your Child? 

00:17:15 – How Can Parents Decide if a Game Is Appropriate for Their Child? 

00:22:10 – How Can Parents Keep Kids Safe in Online Games? 

00:26:48 – How Can Families Make Games Feel Connecting, Not Isolating? 

00:28:15 – Final Thoughts and Wrap Up.