7 tips on how you can accompany your child when gaming
1. show interest in gaming
Ask your child to show you what they are playing. Find out about games and trends on the internet.
2. negotiate sensible rules
Rules are needed - preferably right from the start. However, when agreeing on the duration, take the logic of the game into account. If the child is allowed to play a game for 20 minutes and the rounds last 30 minutes, conflicts are inevitable. Depending on the game, it makes more sense to specify the number of rounds.
3. teach your child to be careful
Agree that they will only register together with you. This way, you can show them what to look out for - «for example, that nicknames and e-mail addresses do not allow any conclusions to be drawn about names, ages or places of residence,» says Fabienne Marbach, project manager at Akzent Luzern. You should also explain in an age-appropriate way why no personal details should be revealed when gaming and why gaming acquaintances should never be made without prior agreement.
4. understand age recommendations as a guard rail
The age recommendations from PEGI or USK provide good guidance. However, it is up to the parents to decide whether a game is suitable for their child. «Accompany and monitor your child particularly closely when playing games for which they are officially too young,» says Marbach.
There is no such thing as one hundred per cent protection against inappropriate content.
Fabienne Marbach, Project Manager Akzent Lucerne
Also be careful with «Let's Play» videos: Gamers film themselves playing games and share them with others, for example on YouTube. In addition to hidden adverts, games are also shown that are only approved for 16 or 18 year olds. However: «There is no such thing as 100 per cent protection against inappropriate content,» says Marbach. Parents should therefore always signal to their child that they can come to them with anything.
5. develop exit strategies
Before gaming, discuss what the child might do afterwards. «An egg timer makes time more tangible for younger children,» says Marbach. The child can see how much time is left and knows: "If it rings, I can finish the game and then have to switch off.
6. set a budget for skins and co.
Firstly, make sure that no payment information is stored on gaming devices. However, do not completely ban in-app purchases - e.g. loot boxes or skins - especially for older children. Discuss what budget is appropriate and keep talking about the topic so that it doesn't become too expensive
7. ensure a healthy balance
With older children, focus more on device-free zones («at the dinner table») and times («before school», «an hour before bedtime») rather than a specific gaming duration. Make sure that the devices are in flight mode or out of the bedroom at night. If you feel that things are getting out of hand, seek advice.
