When Gadget Grandma took over the gaming world

When I first boarded the Eurostar in 2003, I never imagined I’d be entering the gaming world, let alone helping shape it. I was a clergy wife, a grandmother, a Mothers’ Union member – not exactly your typical industry insider. But that train journey to Brussels marked the beginning of a 14-year role representing Mothers’ Union on the PEGI Board – Europe’s official age rating system for video games.

It was, in truth, quite daunting at first. I’d never travelled abroad alone. I didn’t speak any languages other than English. And when I arrived at that very first meeting – in a hotel dining toom full of male industry professionals – I wasn’t entirely sure why I’d been invited. But I had been asked by Mothers’ Union’s Action & Outreach team to take on the role, and I trusted their judgement.

It wasn’t until a few meetings in that I realised the full significance: Mothers’ Union was the only faith-based organisation at the table.

What is PEGI – and why were we there?

PEGI (Pan-European Game Information) was created to help ensure video games were responsibly age-rated across Europe. With concerns growing about violent content, in-game behaviour and the impact on children and families, PEGI brought together voices from across the continent from industry, education, social services and legal fields.

MU’s unique voice brought something different. We weren’t tech experts or psychologists – we were people rooted in the realities of home life, family struggles, and the values that hold generations together. That perspective was not only welcomed but valued.

From “Gadget Grandma” to Expert in the Room

I wasn’t what you’d call ‘tech-savvy’ at least not at first. But to evaluate the games being reviewed, I had to learn quickly. Over the years, I ended up with a PlayStation, an Xbox, a Nintendo DS, and even a Nintendo Wii, which sold out everywhere else that Christmas. That earned me the affectionate nickname of Gadget Grandma, a name some of you might remember from my column in Families First.

Eventually, I was invited onto PEGI’s Experts Group, advising on classification and policy. At first, I felt out of my depth – but as a mother of six and grandmother of many more, I realised I was an expert. My field was family life.

And I took that responsibility seriously. I remember one particular case where I strongly challenged a 7+ age rating on a LEGO game, believing it was too restrictive given the content. After holding my ground, the rating was successfully revised up to a 12+. Even Disney has called me about it – I knew what was right, and I stood by it.

A Faith Voice that Still Matters

After 14 years, I passed the role on to The Revd Emma Ham-Riche, who continued this important work with grace and insight. Now, our new representative Steph Nunn takes up the baton – and I couldn’t be prouder. This line of faithful women, committed to protecting and empowering families in the digital age, is something we can all celebrate.

Mothers’ Union remains the only Christian organisation represented on the PEGI Board. And in a world where gaming has shifted almost entirely online, with increasing concerns around screen time, in-game purchases, and exposure to inappropriate content, our role is arguably more vital than ever.

PEGI today continues to influence not only age ratings, but also how games are labelled, how parental controls are advised, and how families can make informed decisions. The MU’s seat at the table means faith, family and ethics aren’t just afterthoughts in these discussions – they are part of the conversation from the beginning.

Gaming – an ever-evolving world

We live in a world where our children and grandchildren are growing up surrounded by screens. Games can be creative, social and even educational, but they can also carry risks. That’s why MU’s voice still matters. We advocate, we listen, we bring our values into places that might never otherwise hear them.

I believe that MU has always adapted with the times, from radio, to TV, to video, and now to the online world and AI. We don’t turn away from change. We step into it, faithfully.

And so, as I look back at those 14 years – at the PlayStations and the policy debates – I don’t see just a personal journey. I see evidence that Mothers’ Union is relevant, powerful, and still making a difference, even in the gaming world.

 

 

This article first appeared in the Autumn 2025 Connected magazine, a membership benefit. Find out more about becoming a member here.