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Video game screen time and rules: Finding a balance<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
How much time should my child be spending on computer and video games? This is a valid question to which there is no standard answer. But there are a few rules of thumb. You know your child best, for example when they need a break to play or a break from play. Trust your instincts and establish appropriate rules.
Keep the following in mind when agreeing on screen time limits with your child:<\/p>\n\n\n\n
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- Your child\u2019s age:\u00a0<\/strong>The younger the child, the shorter the screen time should be and the more breaks should be scheduled.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Developmental stage:\u00a0<\/strong>Every child is different. Consider your child\u2019s ability to concentrate and monitor their own behavior, as well as their sense of responsibility.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Media experience:\u00a0<\/strong>Does your child already have experience with video games? Do they know the important rules?<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Type of game:\u00a0<\/strong>Short dexterity games or long strategy and world-building games? Games differ in terms of the kind of concentration they require.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Time required to play the game:\u00a0<\/strong>Some games can be paused easily, others require longer sessions in order to save progress.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n
Screen time for younger children:<\/strong><\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Because younger children cannot concentrate for long periods, their screen time should be gradually increased with age.
New games can be especially riveting, like an exciting book. Gaming for a little longer once in a while is not a problem, as long as it doesn\u2019t become a habit. During the week, it may be effective to limit screen time so that kids devote enough time to school and sleep. Time is an abstract concept that younger children don\u2019t yet understand. A visual aid like an hourglass can help kids to better adhere to agreed screen time limits. Another practical example for limiting screen time: Allow your child a block of time per week, such as five game rounds per week, and put five stones in a box representing the rounds. Every time your child plays the game, they remove one stone. Once all the stones are gone, your child has used up their block of time for that week. Refill the box the following week. Using a method like this, your child learns to be aware of how they are using their screen time.<\/p>\n\n\n\nScreen time for older children and adolescents:<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Flexible weekly screen time, such as a time budget, helps older children to take responsibility for their gaming habits and avoid stress. They also learn not to start lengthy game rounds right before meals or bedtime. Having a good sense of time helps them to divide up their screen time sensibly.
Many games can be paused or saved, but this often is not an option for games played online with other people. It\u2019s okay to be understanding if your child wants to finish a game round. After all, you wouldn\u2019t switch off a movie right in the middle of the most exciting scene. To avoid unnecessary conflicts, remind your child ahead of time about when they have to quit.<\/p>\n\n\n\nGaming habits: Recognizing warning signs and taking action<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Kids and teens often get into phases of intensive gaming because a game is especially exciting and fun. Some games are based on business models that deliberately entice players to play longer. Such games include, for instance, push notifications, limited-time offers, or the threat of losing progress or playing figures if the game is paused for too long. These mechanisms are designed to hook children to play more or to return to the game time and again. It is important to be aware of these strategies so that you can better control video game consumption.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The USK adds the descriptor \u201cpressure to play excessively\u201d to the rating information of games associated with this kind of very high risk. Monitor your child closely for this reason. Extended screen time should be interrupted at regular intervals for breaks. In the long term, excessive gaming can have a harmful effect on your child\u2019s health.
The following symptoms are signs that your child may be playing too much:<\/p>\n\n\n\n- \n
- Headaches<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Irritability<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Fatigue<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Nervousness<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Loss of interest<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n
Some changes in your child\u2019s behavior are a normal part of puberty. But if you notice fundamental changes or health issues in your child due to gaming, then their screen time should be reduced or an alternative game found. Make sure your child gets exposure to a variety of free time activities, and talk openly with them about your observations and possible alternatives.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
If your child temporarily displays some of the symptoms listed above, they are not automatically \u201csick.\u201d Seek professional help if you observe the following symptoms over an extended period:<\/p>\n\n\n\n
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- Loss of control:\u00a0<\/strong>Your child cannot stop gaming no matter what the circumstances.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Preoccupation:<\/strong>\u00a0Your child does not pursue any other interests.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Isolation:\u00a0<\/strong>Your child neglects relationships and everyday responsibilities.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Denial:\u00a0<\/strong>Your child ignores the negative consequences of gaming on their daily life, the family and school.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n
Effective rules for total media time: A general limit instead of individual times<\/strong><\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Kids and teens use many different kinds of media simultaneously for information, communication, or entertainment. The most effective solution is to establish rules for total free time media use instead of individual time limits for gaming only, for example by writing up a media use agreement. In addition to specific time limits for gaming, it can cover television, computer, tablet, and smartphone use. Time spent using media for school should not be included in the agreement.<\/p>\n\n\n
\n\n\n\nTipps<\/h2>\n <\/div>\n\n
\n- \n
- Find a balance of fixed and flexible rules so that gaming can be relaxing.<\/li>\n
- Agree together on fair and workable family rules, e.g., for video game screen time.<\/li>\n
- Provide for regular breaks and other free time activities.<\/li>\n
- In particular, be aware of the descriptors provided on the USK labels, such as \u201cpressure to play excessively.\u201d<\/li>\n
- Monitor media use and use the available parental controls \u2013 because they give good insight into digital activity. See section 4 for more on this subject.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n
Recommended recreational screen time<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n
\nOrientation<\/h2>\n \n
\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n< 3<\/div><\/div>\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n<\/div>\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n\nOn-screen media not recommended<\/p>\n <\/div>\n <\/div> <\/div>\n <\/div>\n
\n\n\n\n\n\n\n< 6<\/div><\/div>\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n<\/div>\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n\n30 minutes on individual days with supervision<\/em><\/p>\n <\/div>\n <\/div> <\/div>\n <\/div>\n
\n\n\n\n\n\n\n6-9<\/div><\/div>\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n<\/div>\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n\n30 to 45 minutes on individual days with supervision<\/em><\/p>\n <\/div>\n <\/div> <\/div>\n <\/div>\n
\n\n\n\n\n\n\n9-12<\/div><\/div>\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n<\/div>\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n\n45 to 60 minutes per day<\/p>\n <\/div>\n <\/div> <\/div>\n <\/div>\n
\n\n\n\n\n\n\n12 -16<\/div><\/div>\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n<\/div>\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n\nMax. 2 hours per day<\/p>\n <\/div>\n <\/div> <\/div>\n <\/div>\n
\n\n\n\n\n\n\n16-18<\/div><\/div>\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n<\/div>\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n\n2 hours per day as a guide<\/p>\n <\/div>\n <\/div> <\/div>\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n
- Preoccupation:<\/strong>\u00a0Your child does not pursue any other interests.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Loss of control:\u00a0<\/strong>Your child cannot stop gaming no matter what the circumstances.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Developmental stage:\u00a0<\/strong>Every child is different. Consider your child\u2019s ability to concentrate and monitor their own behavior, as well as their sense of responsibility.<\/li>\n\n\n\n