Limitless gaming? Better not
Computer games - the series, part 5
Few events have shaken up media education as much as the coronavirus pandemic. During this difficult time for all of us, the usual media rules have been overturned. Children and young people are spending significantly more time on digital devices. Some of them are attending school online and keeping in touch with friends and relatives online. Above all, they are immersing themselves in games even more than before, as they do not have to fear any restrictions on their freedom of movement, at least in these pixel worlds. Many parents are worried about how they can get this excess back on track after the pandemic. Personally, I think this will be less difficult than expected: children don't just need protection - they want it too.
Which areas of gaming must or can be protected? Eight questions, eight answers.
How can I tell if a game is suitable for my child's age?
In Switzerland, the PEGI (Pan European Game Information) labels with age ratings and symbols (violence, offensive language, sex) provide initial guidance. The differentiation is made in the gradations PEGI 3, 7, 12, 16 and 18. However, these attributes do not provide any content recommendations, but only determine the extent to which the game is dangerous or harmless in terms of the protection of minors.
What is PEGI good for?
PEGI is used everywhere in Europe for the age labelling of games - except in Germany. There, the Entertainment Software Self-Regulation Body (USK) sets the age ratings for games. However, Alain Jollat considers PEGI to be the more precise instrument. «From my personal point of view,» says the deputy project manager of the online magazine GAMES.CH, «the PEGI age recommendation gives a much better overview of the problematic content of the games. This is due to the content descriptors, which are completely absent from the USK. In my opinion, this is one of the biggest shortcomings. On the PEGI website, you can see why «Mortal Kombat 11», for example, is rated 18+ - but not with the USK.»
How do I find out for myself whether the content of the game is good or bad?
The only way to get an impression is to take a look online and search for reviews, trailers or videos from Let's Players. The aforementioned GAMES.CH website is also a good place to start. I recommend setting up a «Games» parent task force with the help of a messenger group. After all, when it comes to gaming, all mums and dads face similar problems and could support each other with assessments and experiences of the respective games and agree on a common approach (e.g. allow/not allow game xy).
How can I protect my child from excessive game consumption?
Firstly, the classic: agreeing common rules and ensuring that they are adhered to. This is often very tedious and leads to unpleasant discussions. After all, when it comes to media use - and games in particular - children and young people are always trying to test their limits. The situation is even trickier with mobile devices, as children can use them to evade control.
Many children and young people are unable to regulate themselves when it comes to gaming. But they can learn to do so. As they lose all sense of time when gaming, the alarm clock, for example, has proven to be an extremely uncool but effective tool. Other leisure activities and joint activities with the family are also good preventative measures against excessive gaming and thus protect against a possible addiction.
Which technical solutions provide protection?
Parents can adjust the respective parental control settings on computers, popular games consoles and mobile devices. This applies to age ratings, but can also lead to the deactivation of purchases within a game. The effort involved is limited, but so is the success. As soon as children get older, they override these functions with astonishing ease. That's why I think it's essential to repeatedly discuss our motives for using such tools with children and young people. It must be clear that our aim is to protect and not to control.
Can I ban certain games?
It depends on the argument. Blind and incomprehensible bans because games are considered a waste of time anyway are useless. The situation is different if we can justify to a 12 or 14-year-old why we consider a war game for ages 18 and up to be unsuitable for them. Although children are unlikely to be grateful for this, they can understand the protective idea behind the ban.
Can I prevent my child from playing forbidden games with their friends?
No. But it is still important to set boundaries, even if they are then circumvented. A sensibly justified ban is not just about the child's obedience, but above all about our attitude.
How can I keep the costs within limits?
Many games tempt you to make in-app or in-game purchases. It is advisable to deactivate this function for younger children. From the age of around 12, I think it is wiser to learn how to deal with these temptations. For example, by setting a weekly limit for children.
The most important facts in brief
- Do not be discouraged. There is no such thing as one hundred per cent protection.
- Don't capitulate, take a stand. Disputes are exhausting.
- Don't stigmatise video games as a waste of time. Only if children trust us will they come to us with their problems.
- Always warn people about strangers and the topic of paedophilia - even in games.
- Use a second e-mail address with a fake name for registrations.
Computer games: The series
Hardly anything has such a strong pull on young people as computer games. What is the fascination and what are the opportunities? What are the dangers of gaming on the computer and how can we protect our children from them? Everything parents need to know about gaming in a six-part series.
Part 1 What we need to know about gaming
Part 2 What opportunities do games offer?
Part 3 Learning with games
Part 4 How dangerous are games?
Part 5 What protective measures are there for games?
Part 6 Good games, bad games - we can recommend these games
Read all articles in the series here
