Many game platforms today offer practical safety functions. You can use these settings, for instance, to control what content your child is permitted see, limit in-game purchases, or specify how long they are allowed to play per day or week. Child safety filters and parental controls ensure that your child is in a safe digital environment.
Parents can feel overwhelmed if they are not knowledgeable about video games. However, it is important that you take responsibility for your child’s online activities. Children need support and clear rules – as much in the digital world as in the real world. In this section, we will show you what options exist and things to keep in mind.
Check the rating information on content and use
In 2023 the USK age rating was expanded to include information that makes it easier for parents to evaluate games. In addition to the age rating, you will now find information on why a game received a certain type of approval, for example due to “fantasy violence” or because players are under “pressure to act” in the game.
Potential risks of games are also specified separately, e.g., chats, in-game purchases, and location sharing. This information helps you to make a better decision as to whether a game is really right for your child, and whether you need to enable some of the safety functions.
You can find the additional rating information
- on the back of the package,
- on online platforms, and
- in the USK database at www.usk.de.
The USK website also has a list of the various added descriptors and explains what they mean.
Use parental controls
Before you set up the safety functions, it’s important to know: Which device is your child using? Depending on whether it’s a smartphone, tablet, PC, or game console, different options exist for setting up parental controls.
Consoles like Nintendo Switch, Xbox, and PlayStation have built-in parental controls that can be enabled during setup. Mobile devices have practical parental control apps, such as Google Family Link for Android devices. Many systems have integrated parental controls, such as content filters, screen time settings, and age restrictions. Familiarize yourself with these settings and adjust them to suit your family’s needs. Remember to update them regularly.
Tip
Be sure to set up a separate account for your child. This is the best way to manage and adjust the settings.
Set up age restrictions
Digital devices usually have built-in parental controls or filter settings that allow you to set age restrictions and limit access to specific content. Ideally these should be activated during initial device setup and protected with a secure parental password. Smartphones, tablets, and PCs allow you to specify age limits for apps, games, and movies. Many operating systems allow you to restrict the use of apps and access to content based on the age rating of the relevant content. Game consoles from PlayStation, Xbox, and Nintendo also have options for adapting use of the console to your child’s age by restricting access to specific games or functions.
If necessary, you can also make exceptions for certain games.
Tip
Regularly check and update the parental controls on a game system so that your child has access to age-appropriate content only.
Set up screen time and screen time budgets
Many gaming platforms offer the option of limiting video game screen time. You can set how long your child is allowed to play per day or week. You child receives a warning shortly before the time is up, so that they can save their game. Some consoles and games automatically remind kids and teens to take breaks, since they often lose track of time when gaming.
One very practical feature: A lot of online games allow you to restrict screen time not just on one device, but in your user account. This way, the restriction remains active even when your child plays video games at a friend’s house You can also specify when and on what days gaming is allowed – a very helpful feature especially for younger kids.
Tip
With a parental control app, you can flexibly manage device and app usage no matter where you are. You can also spontaneously allow extra screen time as necessary.
Set spending limits
To avoid unexpected charges, kids and teens should not play video games on their parents’ devices or accounts, as these are often linked to payment methods (credit card data). It is better to create a separate children’s account that allows you to disable or limit purchases. Gaming consoles, in particular, allow you to configure fixed spending limits or passwords for purchases, since they function as closed systems. Relevant settings should also be configured on PCs and mobile devices.
Tip
Use prepaid credit or parental controls on platforms to control in-game purchases and consciously allow them.
Limit communication options
You can specifically restrict interaction in games to avoid unwanted contact. Many consoles and platforms allow you to completely disable chats and voice messages or to restrict them to friends only. In the parental controls, you can also deactivate or monitor friend requests, enable automated word filters, and block inappropriate content.
Tip
Encourage your kids to block or report disruptive players.
Find a balance between control and trust
Even if everyday life is stressful, take time to update the parental controls for your child. Once they are set up, parental controls offer added safety for your child long-term. Minor updates can make a big difference.
But keep in mind that parental controls alone do not provide one-hundred percent protection. Although they function very reliably today on consoles and smartphones, they are no substitute for monitoring kids in a way that builds trust or for having candid discussions about safe video gaming.
Tip
As they get older, gradually give your child more responsibility for their own gaming habits. Keep the lines of communication open to foster conscious and reflective use of video games.
