A Father’s Guide to Safe Gaming with Kids: Starting Early

On the final day of school each term, my brother and I would rush home and compete for the Sega Mega Drive. This often resulted in a reprimand from our parents and a firm reminder to share. Putting our rivalry aside, we would join forces and explore the fantastical realms of classic games like Golden Axe (1989) and Streets of Rage (1991).

These memories are among my most cherished. My early experiences with gaming sparked a lifelong passion that ultimately led to my career as a games journalist. During my childhood in the 1990s, gaming was a relatively niche hobby, but today, the gaming industry has exploded into a multi-billion-pound global phenomenon, boasting over three billion gamers worldwide. There’s a strong likelihood your child is among them.

Despite this, some parents still hold onto the outdated belief that video games are detrimental to children’s brains. It’s crucial to shift our perspective on gaming, as it can offer numerous positive benefits when approached correctly, similar to any other form of entertainment.

As gaming continues to be a significant aspect of my life, and with a six-month-old son, I’ve reflected on how I’ll introduce him to games when he’s old enough to play with my PS5 controller rather than attempting to chew on it. Here are my suggestions for enjoying video games with your children.

When and How to Get Started

I began my gaming journey at four years old. For younger children, I recommend starting with a Nintendo Switch (or the future Switch 2) due to its variety of family-friendly games, including Lego Star Wars and Super Mario Odyssey. Consoles like the PS5 also offer titles such as Astro Bot and Sackboy: A Big Adventure, which can introduce children to gaming and the concept of using a controller. (All mentioned games are rated seven and up and are quite gentle.)

Many parents worry about screen time. Once your child is gaming independently, consider using parental controls (details below) to monitor their playtime or set a schedule. Be sure to balance gaming with other vital activities like outdoor play and reading.

The Benefits of Family Gaming

This piece of advice is simple yet valuable. I treasure the moments spent playing Mario Kart 64 against my dad and helping (or rather hindering) my mum learn FIFA 99. Games are made for enjoyment and can foster bonds within families through shared experiences.

Research supports the notion that family gaming can promote healthy social behaviors and enhance communication. Look for games like Overcooked (suitable for ages three and up), which encourages teamwork, or Minecraft (from age seven), that allows creative exploration with your children. Alternatively, titles like Super Mario Bros Wonder provide plenty of laughter together (also perfect for kids aged three and up).

Additionally, actively engaging your children by asking about the games they are playing is essential. Inquire about how they solved challenges or what stories are unfolding. This approach not only nurtures their interests but also creates opportunities for them to share their knowledge with you.

Research Games Thoroughly and Avoid Peer Pressure

When I was a kid, my parents didn’t have to concern themselves with inappropriate content in games like Donkey Kong Country or Tetris, but today’s games can include far more mature themes. Investigating a game’s content through resources like Pegi can help you find suitable titles and provide peace of mind.

Your child may encounter peer pressure to play certain games—sometimes even feeling the need to pretend they have played them. While some children might obtain a copy of Grand Theft Auto VI (which is intended for adults) when it releases next year, discussing with your child why they can’t play it—not just giving a flat “no”—can foster understanding rather than resentment.

Harness Games as Educational Tools

Video games are inherently engaging because they require interaction. Recent studies show gaming can enhance literacy and reading skills for many young players. A survey by the National Literacy Trust found that 88% of young gamers read messages from friends and family within gaming platforms, emphasizing its role as a communication tool.

Games like Shashingo (ages three and up) can teach Japanese through photography, and the Assassin’s Creed series features a mode devoid of combat that allows exploration of historical settings, making it suitable for school use in lessons about history and geography.

Even classic games can provide educational value: Portal and The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom (both rated 12 and up) require the use of physics and logic, while narrative-driven games like Venba (suitable for ages seven and up) expose children to diverse cultures.

Implement Parental Controls

Online gaming offers fantastic social opportunities. Many of us found it a crucial outlet during the Covid pandemic; however, risks are involved. Children may access virtual environments with strangers or experience negative interactions. Using parental controls can mitigate these risks.

Resources from gaming publishers like Epic Games—the creators of Fortnite, a game your child likely plays—can guide you in managing their interactions, monitoring playtime, and controlling expenditures on in-game purchases like character skins.