How games can impact teens for life
How games can impact teens for life
How games can impact teens for life
Melissa Hanson
October, 22, 2025
Summary
Susan Rivers, executive director of iThrive Games and keynote speaker for the 2025 Games for Good conference, emphasizes the importance of play in adolescent development. She argues that games help teens explore new skills, build confidence, and develop social-emotional capacities. Drawing on her psychology background and early research with digital simulations, Rivers highlights how technology can foster trust, emotional regulation, and learning when paired with thoughtful design. She encourages adults to create supportive, engaging environments that recognize teens’ developmental strengths. Rivers also showcases collaborative game projects with teens and looks forward to connecting with creators and researchers at the conference.
Reference
Hanson, M. (2025, October 22). How games can impact teens for life. Clark University. https://www.clarku.edu/news/2025/10/22/how-games-can-impact-teens-for-life/