As online gaming becomes increasingly popular among preteens, many parents are concerned about screen time, in-game purchases, and exposure to inappropriate content. Setting smart controls on gaming apps is a crucial step in protecting children while still allowing them to enjoy interactive play.
In this article, we will analyze practical strategies parents can use to create a safe and balanced gaming environment for their preteens.
Understand the Gaming Platforms Your Preteen Uses
Globe Newswire reported that mobile gaming has become the leading form of gaming in the US. This rise in popularity is largely driven by advancements in technology, like AR, VR, cloud gaming, and 5G connectivity. Given preteen’s strong attraction towards mobile gaming, parents need to understand the gaming platforms.
To set effective controls, parents must first understand the gaming platforms their preteens use. Start by exploring the game reviews and checking age ratings.
Many platforms include chat features, friend requests, and in-game purchases, which can expose children to cyberbullying, predators, or financial risks. Knowing how each platform works helps parents make safer, more informed decisions.
Set Up Built-In Parental Controls and Time Limits
Most gaming consoles and apps offer built-in parental controls that allow you to manage screen time, block inappropriate content, and limit communication features.
According to Fox59 News, teenagers spend 8 and a half hours every day in front of the screen. Preteens, aged between 8 and 12, are also not far behind. They, too, spend at least 5 and a half hours every day in front of screens. These hours are just spent on social media and gaming, not the time of studying.
Set daily or weekly time limitations to ensure a healthy balance between gaming and other activities. Customizing these settings helps protect your preteen from excessive play and keeps their gaming experience safe and age-appropriate.
Can separate rules be set for weekdays and weekends?
Yes, many gaming platforms allow you to assign different rules for weekdays and weekends. You can customize playtime hours and restrictions based on your child’s schedule. This flexibility helps balance school responsibilities with leisure. Check your device or app settings for options like “Scheduled Downtime” or “Play Time Limits.”
Address the Growing Concern Around Video Game Addiction
Video game addiction has become a growing problem for parents. Excessive gaming can lead to loss of sleep, poor academic performance, social isolation, and even mental health issues. The immersive nature of games, combined with reward systems and constant updates, keeps preteens hooked for hours.
Due to these growing concerns, some parents have even filed lawsuits against gaming companies like Microsoft, Nintendo, and others. TorHoerman Law states the lawsuit alleges that these companies have intentionally created addictive games to boost profits and harm the mental health of kids.
Parents concerned about these effects should monitor gaming behavior, consult healthcare professionals, and document any negative impacts. To explore legal options, they can contact an attorney specializing in a video game addiction lawsuit. These lawsuits often focus on deceptive design practices and a lack of parental control features.
What are the early signs of gaming addiction in preteen kids?
Early signs of gaming addiction in children include irritability when not playing, loss of interest in other activities, and lying about gaming time. You may notice declining grades, sleep problems, or withdrawal from friends and family. These behaviors suggest the game is interfering with daily life and emotional well-being.
Monitor In-Game Purchases and Chat Features
In-game purchases and chat features can expose preteens to financial risks and unsafe interactions. Parents should review game settings to disable or require approval for purchases and restrict chat access.
In a survey by Statista, it was found that 56% of users spend money on in-app purchases for gaming. They use it for buying gaming coins and gems. Gaming in-app purchases are the major source of profit for the app developers.
Parents must regularly check the transaction history and chat logs of their preteen kids. It will help prevent unwanted spending and protect children from inappropriate content or online predators in multiplayer environments.
Use Third-Party Apps for Enhanced Supervision
For more comprehensive control, parents can turn to third-party apps designed to observe and supervise their child’s gaming activity. These tools often offer features beyond built-in controls, like detailed screen time reports, real-time alerts, content filtering, and remote locking of devices.
Some even allow parents to track usage across multiple devices and platforms. This level of supervision helps ensure your preteen stays within safe digital boundaries while giving you greater peace of mind.
Before choosing an app, read reviews, compare features, and ensure it’s compatible with your child’s devices. With the right app, enhanced oversight becomes easier and more effective.
Do monitoring apps invade my child’s privacy too much?
Monitoring apps can feel invasive, but they’re designed to protect children, not spy on them. Open communication about why the app is used helps build trust. Most apps allow customizable settings, so you can balance safety with privacy. Adjust controls as your child matures and demonstrates responsible online behavior.
Teach Your Preteen About Healthy Gaming Habits
According to the National Library of Medicine, play has long been a vital aspect of childhood. However, for today’s kids, it often takes place in digital spaces. Over 90% of children aged 2 and older play video games and kids between 8 and 17 typically spend 1.5 to 2 hours each day gaming.
Teaching your preteen healthy gaming habits starts with open conversations about balance and responsibility. Set clear rules around screen time, encourage breaks, and promote other hobbies like reading or sports.
Model good digital behavior yourself, and explain why limits are important for health and well-being. Involving your child in setting rules helps them feel respected and more likely to follow them.
Empowering Parents for Safer Gaming
By understanding gaming platforms, setting controls, and fostering healthy habits, parents can create a safe and enjoyable gaming experience for their preteens. Staying involved and communicating openly helps prevent risks like addiction and exposure to harmful content.
With the right tools and knowledge, parents can confidently guide their children toward responsible gaming.