For years, gaming has often been viewed through a narrow lens: screen time, distraction, or something separate from school. But for families with students participating in scholastic and collegiate esports, that perception is changing.
PlayVS is releasing the Esports and Parent Perceptions Report, a new data-backed look at how parents view competitive gaming and its impact on their children’s academic engagement, social development, college readiness, and future opportunities.
Based on a national survey of 1,000 parents of students who are currently or have previously participated on a scholastic or collegiate esports team, the report shows that parents increasingly see esports as more than a hobby. They see it as a structured, team-based activity that helps students build confidence, connect with peers, develop critical skills, and stay engaged in school.
Parents See Esports as a Positive Force in School
One of the strongest findings from the report is that parents believe esports can support academic engagement. A combined 77% of parents said participation in esports has had a positive impact on their child’s attitude toward school, with 39.1% calling the effect strongly positive.
Parents are also seeing esports encourage broader school involvement. 61.4% said their child’s participation in esports increased their involvement in other school activities, including clubs, sports, and leadership programs.
The takeaway is clear: for many students, esports can be an entry point into deeper school connection.
Esports Are Earning a Place Alongside Traditional Activities
Parents are not only recognizing the value of esports, they are supporting its place within the school system. According to the report, 72.3% of parents would support esports being offered as an elective or for academic credit.
In addition, 75% of parents said esports are equally valuable or more valuable than activities like art, music, and traditional sports.
This reflects a major shift in how families understand competitive gaming. Parents are increasingly viewing esports as an education-based activity that can support student growth in meaningful ways.
A Pathway to College, Scholarships, and Careers
Esports are also helping parents see new pathways for their children’s futures. 77% of parents believe their child’s esports participation will positively impact college or scholarship applications.
The report also found that 63.2% of parents said esports encouraged their child to pursue a college degree or career in gaming, tech, or STEM fields. Meanwhile, 72.7% agreed that esports prepare students for future jobs in fields like tech, marketing, and media.
For schools, this is an important reminder: esports can connect student interest with real academic and career opportunities.
Esports Are Helping Students Feel More Connected
Beyond academic and career benefits, parents are seeing meaningful social impact. 73.5% of parents said esports helped their child feel more socially connected, with many pointing to new friendships, increased confidence, and stronger communication skills.
This matters because esports often reaches students who may not always connect with traditional school activities. For those students, joining an esports team can create a sense of belonging.
Parents’ Views of Gaming Are Changing
The report also shows that parents’ own perceptions of gaming are evolving. 72.7% of parents said their view of gaming became more positive after their child joined esports, while only 2.6% reported a negative shift.
That shift is one of the most important findings in the report. When gaming becomes structured, team-based, and connected to school, parents are seeing it differently. They are seeing how it can support growth, not distract from it.
Download the Full Report
The Esports and Parent Perceptions 2025 Report offers a deeper look at how parents view esports across academics, skills, social connection, future readiness, and consumer behavior.
Download the full report to explore the data and see how esports are shaping student experiences and family perspectives.
