What’s the Deal with YouTube Gaming Content?
Caitlin on Feb. 27, 2025
How Can I Navigate My Tamariki and Rangatahi Watching Gaming Videos on YouTube?
YouTube has become a hub for tamariki and rangatahi to watch others play video games. For parents (especially our non-gamer parents – I feel your pain), this trend might seem confusing—why would kids enjoy watching games instead of playing them? However, the appeal is undeniable, offering a mix of entertainment, tips, and exposure to new games. But like most digital habits, it’s not without its pros and cons.
Here’s what you need to know about this phenomenon and how to guide your tamariki and rangatahi as they navigate this space.
Did you know your tamariki and rangatahi might spend more time watching gaming videos than playing games?
It’s true—young people around the world are hooked on gaming content. In the UK, 84% of 13-15 year olds and 90% of 16-24 year olds regularly watch gaming videos online. YouTube is the most popular platform, with 74% of gamers using it to watch their favourite games and streamers. According to a 2024 report by MIDiA Research, gamers now spend more time watching gaming videos (8.1 hours per week) than actually playing games (7.6 hours).
For many tamariki and rangatahi, gaming videos aren’t just about fun—they watch to learn new tricks, discover games, and feel part of a community of like-minded people.
What do kids say about watching video games on YouTube?
Master 15-Year-Old
To truly understand why tamariki and rangatahi watch gaming videos, it’s helpful to hear directly from them. Master 15-year-old talked to us about his perspective on watching YouTube videos where people play games intended for older audiences, like GTA 5 (R18 | Violence, sexual material, drug use & offensive language).
His interest in GTA 5 started because his favourite streamer created a server on the game that looked fun to play. He was keen to join in but admits he’s very aware of the swearing, violence, and inappropriate content because he’s seen it in the streamer's videos. What stood out to him most is the realism of the violence compared to other games he plays. He described how he’s seen so much more detail with violence and injuries, including when a character repeatedly stabbed someone in GTA 5.
On the flip side, Master 15-year-old explained how YouTube also introduced him to one of his favourite games: Jurassic World Evolution 2. He discovered it while watching gameplay videos and decided to try it out. Since then, he’s played all the different versions of the game, which is rated M with a warning for violence, and says it's been an entirely safe experience so far, with minimal violence or detail of injury.
His experience highlights the mix of positives and negatives that come with watching video game content online. It can expose rangatahi to age-inappropriate material but also help them discover games they love in a way that’s safe and enriching.
What do we as Classification Advisors say about it?
When we classify media, we consider the content and the format. The cinema experience is different to television, and playing a video game is different to watching a host play a video game.
Playing horror games alone with headphones on is far more intense than watching a streamer go through the same game and enjoying their reactions. As a shared experience the streaming format is a less impactful way to engage with content people might otherwise avoid or find hard to deal with.
However not all game videos have the hosts and community to support that experience, and some game content is unsuitable for our rangatahi and tamariki. For really adult content, video streaming platforms keep blacklists of games they won’t allow.
When we give a game an age rating, it is rated for the people who play the games themselves (not observers of the game). We've got trained Classification Advisors who actually play a game as part of the classification process.
As with everything else on the internet, keeping an open conversation with tamariki and rangatahi about what they’re seeing is key to helping them navigate content safely.
The Green Flags: Why It’s Not All Bad
Previewing Games Before Buying
Watching gameplay can help tamariki and rangatahi make informed choices before asking for a game. It’s an opportunity to see the gameplay, graphics, and overall vibe, saving parents from spending on something unsuitable or not as fun as it seemed.
Learning Tips and Strategies
Many gaming videos focus on tutorials, tips, and walkthroughs. This can boost problem-solving skills and enhance gameplay, especially for more complex games.
Community and Connection
Some young people watch gaming videos to feel part of a community. A streamer’s commentary or shared excitement can make gaming feel less solitary.
The Red Flags: What to Watch Out For
Exposure to Restricted Content
Some gaming videos showcase age-restricted content. Even if the game itself is rated for mature audiences, gameplay videos are often accessible to all ages on YouTube.
Inappropriate Dialogue
Some gaming videos on YouTube feature swearing, aggression, or bullying, which can shape how this way, especially towards female gamers, it can make such language seem normal, which may confuse or -unsettle younger viewers, or cause them to repeat it. While YouTube has policies to restrict mature content, its system relies heavily on automated detection, which isn't always accurate. Age-restricted videos are blocked for users under 18 but can still be monetised, meaning children may still come across inappropriate content if it's not properly flagged by creators.
Consumer Pressure
Many gaming videos don’t just show gameplay—they also promote things like skins, loot boxes, and merchandise, making kids more likely to spend money. Research shows that digital ads strongly influence children’s buying habits. One study found that games with paid rewards, like loot boxes, can also cause financial and emotional stress, as kids may lose track of their spending or not fully understand the costs.
Desensitisation to Harmful Content
Watching violent or toxic behaviour in gaming videos can make kids think this behaviour is normal. Research shows that seeing aggression in games can make players more likely to act that way, and repeated exposure to violence can make them less sensitive to it.
Are parental controls an option on YouTube?
Yes, parental controls on YouTube can help create a safer viewing environment for tamariki and rangatahi, but they’re not foolproof. Here’s what you need to know:
- YouTube Kids
For younger children, YouTube Kids is a separate app designed to show age-appropriate content. Parents can create profiles, set content filters, switch comments to read-only and limit screen time. However, it’s worth noting that older children might outgrow its offerings. - Restricted Mode on YouTube
For rangatahi using regular YouTube, enabling Restricted Mode can filter out potentially mature content. This setting isn’t perfect—it relies on user reports and algorithms—but it’s a good starting point for reducing exposure to unsuitable videos. - Managing Subscriptions
Parents can help their children curate subscriptions to channels with positive role models and appropriate content. Monitoring the channels they follow can give insight into what they’re watching. - Shared Accounts
Consider setting up a shared YouTube account for younger users. This allows you to see viewing history while discussing any questionable content together.
While these tools are helpful, they work best when combined with open communication. Controls can guide viewing habits, but they can’t replace the need for conversations about what’s appropriate and how to handle unexpected or harmful content.
How to Talk About Watching Video Games on YouTube
Tamariki and rangatahi may be watching gaming videos with or without your knowledge. But instead of banning it outright, which can lead to secrecy, consider these steps to foster open conversations and build trust.
1) Start with Curiosity, Not Criticism
Ask what they enjoy about watching gaming videos. This helps you understand their interest and avoids making them feel defensive.
2) Set Expectations Together
Discuss what’s okay to watch and what isn’t. Highlight why certain content might not be suitable, focusing on their well-being.
3) Teach Self-Reflection
Equip your child with questions to consider:
- How does this video make me feel?
- Is the streamer respectful and kind?
- Would I want to act like this person?
4) Open a Pathway for Help
Let them know it’s okay to come to you if they see something that doesn’t sit right. Reinforce that they won’t get in trouble for being honest.
Remember, setting boundaries like keeping devices out of bedrooms and encouraging tamariki and rangatahi to watch videos with headphones off can help you stay engaged with what they’re viewing while fostering open and ongoing conversations.
While you’re here just be aware
YouTube’s algorithm is like an invisible guide that influences what your tamariki and rangatahi see when they’re watching videos. It decides which videos show up in their recommendations, which ones autoplay next, and what they see on their homepage. Here's what parents need to know about how this system works and why it matters for your children’s online safety.
Final Thoughts
YouTube is a rich space for exploring gaming, but it comes with risks. The best thing parents can do is provide their tamariki and rangatahi with the tools to navigate this world safely. Keep communication open, watch videos together when possible, and encourage critical thinking about what they see online. Also, do a wee bit of your own research – especially when it comes to influencers. With guidance, they can enjoy the positives while steering clear of harmful influences.
Further reading
You're in control with parental controls
How the YouTube Algorithm Works in 2024
Top 32 YouTube Insights and Statistics of 2025 That You Should Know About
Age-restricted content - YouTube Help
YouTube's Community Guidelines - YouTube Help
Behind the Screen: How Algorithms Shape What Kids See Online
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