Putting controls on your kids' gaming is a key part of being a parent | Keith Stuart

A new campaign that encourages parents to engage with games is long overdue. It's time for parents to overcome technophobia

For three years, I've spoken at schools about video games and social media. The small groups of parents who have attended often tell me similar stories: their sons and daughters are "addicted" to Fortnite, to Pokemon, to Minecraft, and they feel powerless about what they can do. When I tell them about parental controls - built-in tools on all games machines that let you limit access to games - many are bewildered or agitated, even though such controls have been a feature of console design for a decade.

Video game trade body Ukie has launched a campaign to encourage more parents and carers to use parental controls, teaming up with ex-footballer Rio Ferdinand. The organisation wants to raise awareness that everything from screen time to in-game purchases can be monitored and controlled. Last year, an NSPCC study found that only 19% of parents with children aged five to 15 use family controls on internet-connected devices.