7 in 10 UK parents believe esports can play a positive role in schools, finds survey

February 2022

7 in 10 UK parents believe esports can play a positive role in schools: A survey of parents has revealed that nearly 70% are of the belief that esports can play a positive role in schools, by allowing children to develop skills that they may not get through the traditional curriculum. 

The survey was carried out on behalf of Dell Technologies, by OnePoll and surveyed 1,500 UK parents. It also also found that almost half (48%) believe that esports should be added to the school/college curriculum, with almost two-thirds believing that esports should be provided by schools as an extracurricular activity.

When asked how esports could help children learn in addition to the curriculum, the survey found that of those parents who believe esports to be beneficial, 62% believe they encourage teamwork, while 57% believe they give children problem solving skills. Fifty-five percent said that esports gives students 'technological skills', while 54% believe they give children more confidence. 

Just 6% of UK parents said that they believe esports does not play a positive role in education. 

Also revealed by the survey was that almost half respondents (47%) believe that esports "does not discriminate, and allows for wide inclusion", with half saying it allows for more diversity. 

While support for esports was very positive with regards to enhancing the curriculum, fewer parents were convinced about their child aspiring towards a career in it, with just 32% saying they would be happy for their child to pursue a career in esports. 

Parents, however, also admitted that their lack of knowledge around esports (67%) puts them at a disadvantage when discussing it with their children.

Educational stakeholders

When it comes to educational stakeholders, the survey found that almost eight in 10 (79%) said they believe that esports should be taught in schools, with 67% saying it would teach children 'soft skills'. More than half said that they believe engaging in esports could have the effect of increasing grades in other subjects.