Can Video Gaming as a Family Improve Communication Skills and Promote Social-Emotional Growth in Preteens?: Lessons from “Co-Play” in Korean Parent-Child Relationships

Drawing on theories of parental mediation, social-emotional learning, and participatory learning, this study explores how familial co-play affects family communication, relationships and learning using both an online survey (n=76) and a semi-structured interview of 14 Korean families and preteen children (n=30). We found that co-play enables social-emotional learning by enhancing moods, nurturing emotional sensibilities, and providing opportunities for self-discipline. As a form of participatory learning, we also observe that co-play can develop skills of negotiation-persuasion, time management, and mood surveillance. One key implication is that co-play enables a more interactive mode of communication than do other family leisure routines.