While video games have been blamed for much of the troubles afflicting society, the reality is that gaming can be enjoyed responsibly.
A study of close to 2,000 kids discovered that those who played video games for three hours or more daily did better on cognitive skills tests than kids who did not play video games. So, it’s not that gaming is bad. It’s the types of games or how long people play that may be an issue.
While gaming can offer educational enrichment, help with creative problem-solving, and improved eye-hand coordination, excessive screen time can lead to problems with decreased physical activity, sleep disturbance, and concentration or behavior problems.
If you are a parent looking for suggestions on how to achieve a healthy balance, consider these six practical tips for keeping your child’s gaming time under control.
- Set Clear Time Limits
Setting definite daily or weekly time limits on playing is one of the most effective controls you can implement as a parent. Without guidelines in place, your child may spend too many of their waking hours staring at a screen. Setting time limits — perhaps allowing for more play time on weekends and during holidays — can ensure that gaming doesn’t take over your kid’s life.
Implement console and device parental controls such as on PlayStation, Xbox, Nintendo Switch, and tablets to automatically limit the time. Doing so is one way you can easily limit play time. If investing in a portable gaming console for your child, it makes sense to buy a case. You don’t want to see your investment go down the drain if they drop it during a vigorous gaming session. If you buy a Switch 2 console, for example, you need a Switch 2 case to protect the device.
- Make Gaming Time a Privilege Rather Than a Right
Game time can be a reward for hard work and good behavior. Rather than letting your child play whenever they want, have them work for their game time by doing homework and chores.
For instance, you might grant 30 minutes of game time for each hour of reading or homework, or you could approve more game time on the weekends if your child does their chores.
This technique not only limits screen time but also encourages your child to see gaming as a privilege.
- Encourage Breaks and Exercise
Gaming non-stop can lead to slouching, eye strain, and insufficient physical activity. The quick solution is to employ the “20-20-20” rule. Every 20 minutes, your child should take a 20-second break while looking at something 20 feet away to prevent eye strain.
You also can encourage physical activity by planning outdoor play before or after game-playing time, having your child stand and move periodically, and playing motion games.
- Be a Part of Their Gaming Life
The fascination with gaming is something that many parents consider a mystery — but joining them in their hobby will enable you to become a better overseer of your child’s experience. Discuss the games your child plays, watch them play, and play with them at times.
If your child sees you follow the same gaming rules they do, they’re more likely to accept the rules.
- Promote Variety of Activities
Games are fun — but they don’t have to be the main part of your child’s week. Ask your child to spend time on other interests and activities that aren’t screen-based. Consider activities like exercise or sports, art or music, reading or writing stories, and board games or jigsaw puzzles.
- Establish No-Gaming Zones and Times
Physical and time boundaries are another great way of limiting gaming time. Designate technology-free zones and screen-free times to allow room for family time and better sleep patterns.
You can let your child know there’s no gaming in the bedrooms to avoid late-night gaming, no screens at the dinner table to allow room for conversation, and no gaming after a certain time to allow them to wind down in time for bedtime. You’ll want to be especially mindful of such rules if your child has a hand-held portable console that they can easily take with them. You may want to retrieve a hand-held console from your child after a certain point in the day.
Managing your child’s gaming time does not mean stopping the fun and games. It’s about creating a well-balanced relationship with technology that promotes balance, organization, and dialogue.
