This section provides a summary of practical everyday tips for managing your child’s video gaming activities:
- Understand your child’s interests and development: Observe which games your child likes most and check whether the games are appropriate for your child’s stage of development and age group.
- Get information: Familiarize yourself with the content, age ratings, and potential challenges of the games in order to make informed decisions.
- Establish clear rules: Agree on game content and screen time. Ensure balanced media consumption and exposure to a multitude of free time activities.
- Actively monitor your child and use parental controls: Play along with your child from time to time, share your experiences with the game, and use the parental controls.
- Be available and seek support: Be open to discussion, take concerns seriously, and seek advice and support if necessary.
By taking these steps, you create a safe gaming environment in which your child can have a positive gaming experience.
Where can I find information about the USK age ratings?
Where can I find recommendations for educational games?
The German Children’s Software Award, TOMMI, is an award for children’s software, including both educational software and PC and console games.
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How do I set up a game console or gaming platform so that it is safe?
Child-Safe Media – available in German only
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How can I introduce my elementary school child to the world of video games?
Die Scrollstory „Wo ist Joy?“ nimmt Kinder im Alter von 7 bis 11 Jahren und ihre Bezugspersonen mit auf eine spannende Reise in die Welt der digitalen Spiele.
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How can I establish screen time rules together with my child?
Screen Time Agreement – available in German only
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Where can I find information about the USK’s Digital Parent’s Night?
USK Digital Parent’s Night – available in German only
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Where can I find information and tips on media education?
“Elternguide.online” is a collaborative project involving various partners, such as the Voluntary Self-Regulation Organisation for Multimedia Service Providers (FSM), the German Children’s Aid Organisation and the USK. Here, interested parties can find answers to questions about children’s and young people’s media use, tips on media education, ways to protect young people, and ideas for creative media projects.
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Where can I find out more about the use of games in school and education?
The Foundation for Digital Games Culture demonstrates how games have an impact beyond entertainment – for example in education, culture and remembrance – and highlights their potential for families and society.
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