#PlayApartTogether – Michelle Rowland MP, Shadow Minister for Communications

#PlayApartTogether

IGEA works with a vast array of stakeholders and industry professionals.  We’ve all seen the increased popularity, and again the power of games in keeping people connected in these unprecedented times.  As we navigate unchartered waters in dealing with a global pandemic, we’ve continued working with our games industry leaders and stakeholders on numerous issues.  Recognising we all have a role to play in flattening the curve and stopping the spread of COVID-19, IGEA is speaking to our leaders and policy makers about the entertainment they are consuming and how they are practising self-isolation and social distancing.

We spoke with Michelle Rowland MP, Shadow Minister for Communications for our #PlayApartTogether series:

What tasks are you undertaking to keep yourself and your family occupied during these times of self-isolation, and physical and social distancing?

Baking is my happy place – I’ve always found it comforting to get into the kitchen and try my hand at something challenging and delicious. It helps me zone out, and I get the added bonus of seeing my family enjoy my creations (which you can also find on my Instagram @MRowlandMP).

What games are you and your family playing?

My family are enjoying a combination of old school board games and apps to keep ourselves occupied. I love to play solitaire on my phone, while my youngest Aurelia is obsessed with The Shopping Game – a memory-based board game. My eldest Octavia is into playing Roblox online with her friends.

As a family, we play UNO and 5 Second Rule. We also like to challenge the girls to build the World’s Biggest Indoor Cubby using only what they can find in each room.

My daughter downloaded the Simply Piano app to keep up with her lessons and can now play Careless Whisper, We Are The Champions and Timber.

Why these particular activities?

Card games and board games are a great way for us to bond as a family, and for a digital detox every so often. Games like Roblox help kids stay connected with friends and it’s good for their imaginations to build things – whether physically or online.

What resources do you recommend to assist parents and carers manage and monitor game play for their children?

Parents should familiarise themselves with the resources published by the eSafety Commission, which can be found here: https://www.esafety.gov.au/parents and follow the Office on social media to get the latest updates.

I like to use my cooking timer to keep a healthy limit on screen time. 

The most important advice is for parents to supervise their kids and understand what games they are playing.