{"id":131028641,"date":"2026-11-04T17:55:16","date_gmt":"2026-11-04T16:55:16","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/usk.de\/?page_id=131028641"},"modified":"2026-11-04T17:55:19","modified_gmt":"2026-11-04T16:55:19","slug":"general-rules-surrounding-gaming","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/usk.de\/en\/for-families\/a-parents-guide-to-videos-games\/general-rules-surrounding-gaming\/","title":{"rendered":"General rules surrounding gaming"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

Kids love to play, at the playground, in school during recess, in their rooms, with cards and board games. No wonder the world of video games captures their attention and enthusiasm at such an early age. In computer and video games, children can slip into new roles, experience adventures, or build entire worlds. They can put their skills, speed, and strategic thinking to the test.<\/span><\/p>\n

And kids can play with others, not just on their own. The variety of games and platforms is sheer endless, which often makes selection difficult. Whether you as parents play computer games yourselves or not: The more you know about games, functions, options, and risks, the better you can make informed decisions with your child and establish clear rules.<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n

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\u00a9 StockImageFactory.com \/ Shutterstock<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n

Take video gaming seriously<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Play is an important part of growing up, and the right to play and recreation is even anchored in the UN children\u2019s rights. It follows that children and adolescents also have a right to play video games. Play is important for their development and creativity. When it comes to video games, a lot of kids and teens are real pros, and they perceive themselves as such. For this reason, they are less willing to accept restrictions and rules from parents and other adults which they see as unfair or unjustified.

Try instead to understand why your child finds specific games so interesting. Show real interest and ask questions, just as you would about your child\u2019s other hobbies. Open discussion, and the trust that it builds, are important because they make children more willing to talk to you when problems with gaming come up.<\/p>\n\n\n

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Let your child show you a game and explain everything they know about it. Doing so not only promotes their verbal and communicative skills, it\u2019s also a simple opportunity to get talking and better understand your child\u2019s view of the game.<\/p>\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

Gaming in the family<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Take time once in a while to play video games together. For some games, 15 minutes is all it takes to get a first impression. Things like regular afternoon gaming sessions can also be a rewarding type of family time. Completing adventures together or solving tasks and puzzles is fun. You may even be surprised to see your child\u2019s reaction skills and dexterity. Don\u2019t be put off by that; just give a game a try and play along!

If you are gaming with several children of different ages, base your game choice on the younger kids. For the older ones, you can take time later on for other games suitable for their age.<\/p>\n\n\n

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It\u2019s important in a family for everyone to make sure that younger children are not playing inappropriate games. Older siblings can help by keeping an eye on what the younger ones are playing or watching.<\/p>\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

Gaming at a friend\u2019s house<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

\u201cBut my friends are allowed to!\u201d \u2013 You\u2019ve probably heard your child say this before, but don\u2019t worry: It is totally normal. Children compare rules and sometimes try to find ways to get around restrictions. They often gravitate towards households that have fewer rules. There, they say, they can game longer or play games that are not really appropriate for their age.

It helps in this case to get in touch with the parents. Ask about the rules they have and whether they adhere to age ratings. This way, you can make sure your own rules don\u2019t get undermined, and your child will quickly realize that your rules apply even outside the home<\/p>\n\n\n

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