Gaming is a favorite pastime for many children and teenagers, but unfortunately also a common source of conflict. Gaming has many fun features that appeal to kids, but videogames are also designed to keep your child’s attention for as long as possible. So, it’s understandable that stopping isn’t easy - especially when you’re in the middle of a game!
Setting boundaries and rules
Good agreements make good friends, and that applies here too. Below are some possible rules you can set as a parent or caregiver:
- Always make agreements in consultation with your child. This way, you can tailor them to your situation and adjust if they don’t work.
- Agree in advance when your child needs to stop gaming. Give them a heads-up when the end time is approaching.
- Decide when your child can start the last game.
- Take into account the length of a game, so your child doesn’t have to stop mid-game.
- Use a countdown timer so your child can visually see how much gaming time is left.
- Agree on the consequences if your child doesn’t stick to the rules.
Room for emotions
Even with good agreements in place, stopping can still be hard. Allow space for your child to cool down when emotions run high. Make sure those emotions can be expressed safely, without hurting anyone physically or verbally.
As a parent or caregiver, stay calm yourself: try not to get angry or shout. Otherwise, your child is more likely to react angrily, too.
After a heated moment, take time to reflect with your child: why did this make you so angry? What can we do differently next time? Work together to find solutions.
Find more information about the work of the Belgian Safer Internet Centre, including its awareness raising, helpline, hotline, and youth participation services, or find similar information for other Safer Internet Centres throughout Europe.
Gaming is a favorite pastime for many children and teenagers, but unfortunately also a common source of conflict. Gaming has many fun features that appeal to kids, but videogames are also designed to keep your child’s attention for as long as possible. So, it’s understandable that stopping isn’t easy - especially when you’re in the middle of a game!
Setting boundaries and rules
Good agreements make good friends, and that applies here too. Below are some possible rules you can set as a parent or caregiver:
- Always make agreements in consultation with your child. This way, you can tailor them to your situation and adjust if they don’t work.
- Agree in advance when your child needs to stop gaming. Give them a heads-up when the end time is approaching.
- Decide when your child can start the last game.
- Take into account the length of a game, so your child doesn’t have to stop mid-game.
- Use a countdown timer so your child can visually see how much gaming time is left.
- Agree on the consequences if your child doesn’t stick to the rules.
Room for emotions
Even with good agreements in place, stopping can still be hard. Allow space for your child to cool down when emotions run high. Make sure those emotions can be expressed safely, without hurting anyone physically or verbally.
As a parent or caregiver, stay calm yourself: try not to get angry or shout. Otherwise, your child is more likely to react angrily, too.
After a heated moment, take time to reflect with your child: why did this make you so angry? What can we do differently next time? Work together to find solutions.
Find more information about the work of the Belgian Safer Internet Centre, including its awareness raising, helpline, hotline, and youth participation services, or find similar information for other Safer Internet Centres throughout Europe.
- gaming online gaming mental health
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