How to choose age-appropriate games and manage kids’ in-game purchases?

Video games have become an undeniable part of childhood, offering entertainment, social connection, and even educational opportunities. However, for parents, navigating the vast world of digital entertainment can be challenging. Concerns about age-appropriateness, content, and the ever-present temptation of in-game purchases are legitimate. This guide will equip you with the knowledge and tools to make informed decisions and manage your children’s gaming habits responsibly.

How to Choose Age-Appropriate Games

Selecting the right games is crucial for ensuring a positive and safe experience for your child. Not all games are created equal, and what’s suitable for a teenager might be entirely inappropriate for a younger child.

Utilize Rating Systems

The most direct way to assess a game’s suitability is by checking its official rating. Organizations like the Entertainment Software Rating Board (ESRB) in North America, the Pan European Game Information (PEGI) in Europe, and the International Age Rating Coalition (IARC) provide comprehensive labels that indicate recommended age and content descriptors.

• ESRB (North America): Labels like E (Everyone), E10+ (Everyone 10+), T (Teen), M (Mature) are accompanied by content descriptors such as ‘Fantasy Violence,’ ‘Mild Language,’ ‘Users Interact,’ etc.
• PEGI (Europe): Age ratings (3, 7, 12, 16, 18) are paired with content descriptors for violence, bad language, fear, sex, drugs, gambling, and in-game purchases.

Always look beyond just the age number; the content descriptors offer vital clues about what your child might encounter in the game.

Research and Read Reviews

Don’t rely solely on official ratings. Look for reviews from other parents, gaming websites, and reputable media organizations. Websites like Common Sense Media offer detailed breakdowns of games, movies, and apps, specifically from a parental perspective, highlighting educational value, positive messages, violence, and more.

Play Together or Observe

The best way to know if a game is right for your child is to engage with it yourself. Play a few rounds with them, or at least sit and observe their gameplay. This firsthand experience will give you insights into the game’s actual content, difficulty, and how your child interacts with it. It also opens up conversations about what they’re doing and why they enjoy it.

Controlling In-Game Spending

In-game purchases, often called microtransactions, have become a standard feature in many modern games. These can range from cosmetic items and character upgrades to loot boxes and subscriptions. While some are purely optional, others can influence gameplay or become tempting for children, leading to unintended and significant expenses.

Set Up Parental Controls on Devices and Platforms

Almost all gaming consoles, mobile devices, and PC game stores (like Steam, Epic Games, Nintendo eShop, PlayStation Store, Xbox Store) offer robust parental control settings. These allow you to:

• Disable or require passwords for all purchases.
• Set spending limits.
• Restrict access to certain content based on ratings.
• Manage screen time.

Take the time to explore and configure these settings on every device your child uses for gaming.

Discuss Spending Rules with Your Child

Open communication is key. Explain to your children what in-game purchases are, why they cost real money, and the family’s rules regarding spending. Help them understand the value of money and the implications of making unauthorized purchases. Involve them in the discussion about an allowance for gaming or if they need to earn money for specific items.

Use Gift Cards or Pre-set Allowances

A great way to manage spending is to use gift cards for specific platforms or set up a dedicated “gaming allowance” that your child can spend. This gives them autonomy within defined boundaries and teaches them budget management. Once the gift card credit is used, no more purchases can be made until the next top-up or allowance is provided.

Monitor Activity and Account Statements

Regularly check your bank and credit card statements for any unauthorized purchases. Most platforms also allow you to view a purchase history. If you notice anything unusual, address it immediately. This ongoing vigilance is a crucial part of managing digital spending.

Promoting Healthy Gaming Habits

Beyond choosing games and managing purchases, it’s essential to foster a balanced approach to gaming:

• Set Screen Time Limits: Establish clear, consistent rules for how much time your child can spend gaming daily.
• Encourage Other Activities: Ensure gaming is balanced with outdoor play, hobbies, schoolwork, and family time.
• Location Matters: Consider keeping gaming devices in common areas of the house to facilitate supervision and interaction.
• Be a Role Model: Demonstrate healthy digital habits yourself.

Navigating the world of children’s video games and in-game purchases doesn’t have to be overwhelming. By utilizing available rating systems, actively researching games, implementing parental controls, and maintaining open communication with your children, you can ensure they have a safe, enjoyable, and financially responsible gaming experience. Active parenting in the digital realm is just as important as it is in the physical world.