IBSC Boys and Gaming

An IBSC Online Program

March 23, 2026

Join leading researcher in the psychology of media Nick Ballou for an online presentation exploring the nuanced intersection of boys and video games.

Gaming has become the largest voluntary activity worldwide, representing a primary space where boys seek community, challenge, and identity. Moving beyond common headlines, Ballou emphasizes defining a healthy relationship with this global phenomenon not by the number of hours spent on the screen, but by the quality, intentionality, and social connection found within the play.

Dismantle persistent myths regarding gaming—including the debated links between virtual violence and real-world aggression—and focus on how games often serve as vital tools for emotional regulation and mastery for young men. Whether gaming acts as a positive outlet for stress or a "dysregulated" coping mechanism for underlying challenges, get the data-driven insights needed to support boys in building a balanced, reflective, and healthy digital life.

Attend this interactive session online to dive into these themes.

Boys’ Mental Health: Understand when gaming is a healthy coping mechanism versus a cause for concern.
Social Connectivity: Recognize how games fulfill core psychological needs for boys in a digital age.
The Nuance of Balance: Move the conversation from "how many hours" to the quality and context of play.
Evidence-Based Dialogue: Learn how to talk to boys about gaming without relying on outdated tropes.

Who Should Attend?

Educators who seek to deepen their understanding of gaming culture, provide meaningful support for students struggling with dysregulated play, and foster more constructive, positive dialogue with boys who are passionate about gaming

Format

The interactive session hosted on Zoom includes a 45-minute presentation, followed by 15 minutes for Q&A.

Monday, March 23, 4:00 PM EDT, 8:00 PM GMT, 10:00 PM SAST
Tuesday, March 24, 4:00 AM AWST, 7:00 AM AEDT, 9:00 AM NZDT
Check the time in your time zone.
60 minutes

All attendees registered for the live session also gain access to the event recording and any associated resources for 21 days after the event. Even if your schedule cannot accommodate the live event, register so you can watch the recording at your convenience.

Please note: The recording of this event is exclusively for the individual use of registered attendees. We kindly request your cooperation in maintaining the integrity of the content.

Registration

IBSC member rate for 1 – 3 people from the same school: US$135 per person
IBSC member rate for 4+ people from the same school: US$120 per person
IBSC nonmember rate: US$175 per person

Group Screening Access for IBSC Members
Interested in using this session for professional development? IBSC member schools can access the recording for group screenings at a discounted rate. Access to the recording is available for 21 days starting March 28, 2026. Contact Bruce Collins at collins@theibsc.org for more details.

IBSC member rate: US$1,500

To register for group access, choose the group screening rate option on the registration form. The group screening option includes the recording of the presentation and the Q&A. This option does not include access to the live event. One person will have access to the recording to screen it for colleagues at their member school.

Cancellation Policy
If you are unable to attend, you must cancel your registration in writing by emailing IBSC@theibsc.org by March 8, 2026. IBSC will refund 90% of registration fees if a written request is received via email by this date. No refunds will be made for cancellations received after this date. Schools seeking to register an alternate to replace a participant unable to attend should contact IBSC@theibsc.org.

Please note: Watch your email for login information on March 19, 2026. If you registered after this date, watch for login information within 24 hours.

Participation certificates: Participants present for the live online session will receive a certificate of participation within two weeks of the event.

Questions?

Please contact Bruce Collins at collins@theibsc.org.

Presenter

Nick Ballou

A psychologist at Imperial College London, Nick Ballou researches how technology use affects health, with a focus on video games. He recently led the Open Play study, which collected 2 million hours of gaming histories from platforms like Xbox and Nintendo to better understand how parents and players can build healthy relationships with technology. His upcoming project will focus on the effects of popular titles like Roblox, Fortnite, and Minecraft on adolescent well-being. Find more information about his research, science advocacy, and speaking history at nickballou.com.