Parent Resources
Everything you need to navigate gaming with your kids safely and confidently.
⏰Screen Time Guidelines
Ages 2-5: 1 hour on weekdays, 3 hours on weekends
Ages 6-12: 1-2 hours on weekdays, 3-4 hours on weekends
Ages 13+: Flexible with agreed boundaries and breaks
These are starting points. Adjust based on your child's behavior, sleep, and other activities.
🛡️Essential Safety Checklist
- ✓Enable parental controls on all devices
- ✓Review and restrict chat features
- ✓Set up spending controls for in-app purchases
- ✓Keep gaming devices in common areas
- ✓Regularly check friend lists and block strangers
Understanding Game Ratings
ESRB Ratings (US)
E
Everyone
All ages appropriate
E10+
Everyone 10+
Ages 10 and older
T
Teen
Ages 13 and older
M
Mature 17+
Ages 17 and older
AO
Adults Only
Ages 18 and older
RP
Rating Pending
Not yet rated
Remember: Ratings are guidelines, not rules. Online interactions and user-generated content can change the experience significantly.
Gaming Red Flags to Watch For
Behavioral Changes
- • Extreme mood swings when gaming time ends
- • Lying about gaming time or activities
- • Declining grades or abandoning other interests
- • Sleep disruption or fatigue
- • Aggressive behavior when restricted
Online Safety Concerns
- • Secretive about who they're playing with
- • Receiving gifts or money from online friends
- • Using inappropriate language learned online
- • Unexpected charges or purchases
- • Someone asking for personal information
Starting Gaming Conversations
Questions to Ask Your Kids
About the Game
- • What's your favorite part of this game?
- • Can you show me how to play?
- • What happens when you lose?
- • Are there things you can buy in the game?
About Online Interactions
- • Who do you play with online?
- • Has anyone ever asked you personal questions?
- • What do you do if someone is mean to you?
- • Have you made any new friends in the game?
External Resources
Ready to Explore Specific Games?
Check out our detailed guides for popular games your kids might be playing.
Browse Game Guides→