Helpful tips for healthy gaming

• Consider the age and maturity of your child and the games they are asking to play. When reviewing the ESRB ratings and content descriptors, do the games seem to be a good fit for your child? If there are older gamers in the home, kids will often want to play the games they see being played rather than the ones that fit their age group. If the game being played by older kids isn’t appropriate, they probably shouldn’t be watching when their siblings play.
• Look at the gaming device your child will play on. Are the safety settings in place for your child? Do they match his level of maturity and help you set appropriate boundaries with regards to the types of games allowed, who they are allowed to interact with, and the amount of time/times of day they can play? If not, be sure to configure these safety settings before your child starts gaming.
• Talk to your child about appropriate gaming. This conversation is crucial as it sets the framework for understanding and collaboration for gaming successfully. Talk about the safety settings you have put in place, about the types of games that are appropriate or inappropriate, about the time limitations and the importance of having a balanced experience with online gaming, friends, activities, and school. Let your child know that you will periodically check on their gaming – particularly if it includes conversations with people you don’t know – to be sure the conversations are respectful, aren’t sharing too much information, etc.