Parental controls over gaming sites and length of play are a great tool, but they’re no substitute for talking to your kids about:
- what games and apps they are playing or using
- what your family has decided is okay. Are there limits on what they can play, or when and how long they can play?
- who it’s okay to play games with online
- why it’s important not to share personal information, like their address, school, or plans for the weekend
- how to deal with inappropriate online behavior by another player. You may be able to block the player, or notify a game’s publisher or online service.
Another good idea: keep your computer or game system in a common area. That opens the door to ask questions and have conversations on the spot.
More Information
- Healthier Gaming: 5 Tips for Parents of Teens
- FTC website for parents interesting in learning more about youth gaming
- Entertainment Software Rating Board information and tips for parents
Is Video Game Addiction Real? 2021 WebMD article - The Teen Brain: 7 Things to Know NIH Article
- BrainFacts.org information and illustrations of how gambling affects the brain
American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry article on youth brain development and risky behaviors - National Institute on Drug Abuse information on adolescent brain development and substance use
- National Institute on Drug Abuse Information on drugs and the brain
- National Institute for Mental Health information on youth brain development
- Brain Connection (CA) video on gambling and the brain (2020)