As of: February 26, 2024, 10:55 a.m
By: Jonas Dirkes
Comments
Press
Split
Many children are enthusiastic about video games from a young age.
But how should parents determine when to start gaming and when to play?
Hamburg – Video games are a great and multifaceted hobby: immerse yourself in foreign worlds, discover new things and train your own coordination.
At the same time, it's also just fun to pass the time.
Given these prospects, many children can't wait to get started in gaming themselves.
But when is it perhaps a little too early for that?
Is there even such a thing
as too early
?
And when the kids' gaming careers really start, how much time should you allocate to the hobby?
Children and gaming: When can kids start gaming?
At what age is it appropriate to start gaming?
Of course, something like this cannot be answered in general terms.
After all, every child is different.
The
entertainment software Self-Control
(USK), which is responsible for the age classification of video games in Germany, gives rough recommendations for getting started in the hobby in its parenting guide, which was written together with the
Digital Gaming Culture Foundation
on the subject of
children and gaming
.
This is what the guide says:
Children understand their surroundings in a literal sense; haptic impressions such as touch are important.
Screen media therefore make little sense, at least for the first three years.
Depending on the level of development, the very limited and closely monitored use of digital devices can be beneficial afterwards.
Because the use of computers makes up a significant part of our world.
Growing up far away from technology and media is therefore hardly possible and does not make sense.
Digital media cannot and must not replace the playground and running around in the forest.
But they can be a helpful addition.
Entertainment software self-control |
Digital Gaming Culture Foundation
The best Switch games for children: Great fun for little gamers
Kids and Video Games: How Parents Can Properly Manage Playtime
How long should children be allowed to play at what age?
The guide from the USK and Digital Gaming Culture Foundation also provides recommendations for game times.
The older the child is, the longer playing times can be agreed.
However, the times are more about flexible guidelines than rigid limits.
If children immerse themselves in the fascinating world of a new game, it is absolutely harmless to agree to longer playing times.
It is particularly important that agreements made with the child are ultimately adhered to by both parties.
Up to 7 years – 20 to 30 minutes under supervision
8 to 10 years – 60 minutes
10 to 12 years – 75 minutes
From 12 years – 90 to 120 minutes (the older, the more flexible)
First steps in gaming – At what age can a gaming career start?
© Nintendo
My news
This is how you quickly reach level 20 in Helldivers 2
PS Plus loses these seven games
Read leaked events in GTA 6
Get a free skin in Call of Duty read
Final Fantasy 7 Rebirth comes off well in the ratings
MaiLab doesn’t go into politics – read “You fell for populism”.
However, according to the guide, caution is advised if gaming becomes the child's
dominant activity
.
Friends, other interests and obligations should not be allowed to crowd out the hobby.
It's definitely worth taking a closer look at the brochure: both the parents' and children's perspectives are discussed here.
In the end, a good compromise can be found for both parties regarding the allowed playing time.