Are video games safe for my child?

Are Video Games Safe for My Child?

Many parents and carers worry about whether video games are safe for their children. While games can be a great way to learn new skills and stay entertained, it’s still essential to choose experiences  that are appropriate for their age, and parental controls are put in place. 

In fact, research by Ask About Games found that 76% of parents and carers feel that video games have a positive influence on their children, promoting cognitive thinking and problem-solving. Additionally, 72% of households with a console use parental controls, which is found to be an effective way of managing content and interactions.  

What should you look for when choosing a game? 

Age appropriate content 

PEGI ratings recommend which age the content of a game is appropriate for. The age categories are PEGI 3, PEGI 7, PEGI 12, PEGI 16, PEGI 18. You can also see additional information through content descriptors which explain why that rating was awarded: violence, sex, language and so on. These descriptors appear on the packaging for games bought in boxed form from stores. They can also be seen on major online storefronts where games can be downloaded.

Online interactions

It’s important to consider if a game you are purchasing contains the option to interact with other people online. Consider who your children play with online, e.g. should they only play with friends that they have met in the real world? Setting clear boundaries helps keep children safe online and maintain a fun experience for them. If children use the voice or text chat function, keep playing in a shared social space where you can hear or see the interactions. You can also specify Parental Controls to automatically limit who they can communicate with and they type of communication allowed: voice, text, images.

In-game purchases 

In-game purchases are the opportunity to buy additional items or content in the game using real money. Where a game includes items you can buy for real money, it will be made clear on the PEGI Rating via the In-Game Purchases descriptor. Remember, in-game purchases are often optional and you can still play games without them.

Staying safe means encouraging healthy habits 

Don’t forget the handy Power Up Pact is a valuable resource that helps you set clear boundaries around playing video games. This guide encourages discussions on: 

• Game time: Research shows that setting time limits is critical. According to a UK survey, 62% of parents are confident that their child’s game time is well-balanced with other activities. 

• Spending limits: Many games include optional purchases. Using the pact, parents can control spending by setting agreements or using parental controls. 
• Online safety: Discuss how to stay safe in online environments, especially in games that allow chatting or sharing personal information. 

By using resources like the PEGI system and the Ask About Games Power Up Pact, parents can ensure their children enjoy video games safely and responsibly. Remember, creating healthy habits and setting up parental controls is time spent well.