Video games have been around for decades now, and it is fair to say that they are set to stick around for many years to come. They have never been so popular, and at this point, they are pretty much just a fact of childhood, but is it a good idea to let your own children play video games? Maybe that should not be the question; maybe the real question isn’t if children should play video games, but how, when, and under what boundaries. Like most things in parenting, the answer sits somewhere in the middle.
The Upside of Gaming
Kids are going to be exposed to gaming whether you like it or not with some schools playing games to help the kids learn, and of course, their friends who will most likely have consoles when they go over to play, so it is worth taking a look at the good parts of gaming.
When managed well, gaming can offer real benefits. Many games encourage problem-solving, strategic thinking, and creativity. Puzzle games, building worlds, and story-driven adventures can sharpen critical thinking skills and even support literacy. Multiplayer games can also help children develop teamwork and communication skills, especially for kids who may struggle socially offline.
Of course, gaming can also be a great way for families to connect. Playing together gives parents insight into what their children enjoy and opens the door to conversations about decision-making, online behavior, and emotions. For some kids, gaming is also a way to relax and decompress after school, much like reading or watching TV.
The Risks Parents Should Consider
That said, unrestricted gaming comes with downsides. Excessive screen time can affect sleep, attention span, and physical activity. Some games are designed to be highly stimulating, making it hard for kids to stop playing without clear limits in place.
Online games introduce additional challenges. Chat features, in-game purchases, and exposure to strangers are all valid concerns. Many parents have heard about Roblox safety concerns, for example, which highlight the importance of parental controls, privacy settings, and active supervision when children play social or user-generated games like Roblox. These risks don’t mean kids shouldn’t play, but they do mean parents should stay involved.
Photo by Jonathan Borba
Setting Healthy Boundaries
If you choose to let your kids game, boundaries matter more than bans. Start with age-appropriate games and use ratings as a guide, not a guarantee. Limit daily screen time and avoid gaming right before bed. Keep consoles and computers in shared family spaces when possible so play isn’t completely hidden away.
It’s also a good idea to talk openly with your kids about online behavior and what it is okay to share or view and what it is not, just so they know what is safe and what is not, and os they feel able to come to you with any concerns they have.
Photo by VAZHNIK
So… Should You Let Them Game?
For most families, the answer is yes, but with intention. Gaming isn’t inherently harmful, and it isn’t automatically beneficial either. Like social media, it reflects how it’s used. With clear rules, ongoing conversations, and a willingness to engage rather than simply restrict, gaming can be a positive part of your child’s life.
Video games have been around for decades now, and it is fair to say that they are set to stick around for many years to come. They have never been so popular, and at this point, they are pretty much just a fact of childhood, but is it a good idea to let your own children play video games? Maybe that should not be the question; maybe the real question isn’t if children should play video games, but how, when, and under what boundaries. Like most things in parenting, the answer sits somewhere in the middle.
The Upside of Gaming
Kids are going to be exposed to gaming whether you like it or not with some schools playing games to help the kids learn, and of course, their friends who will most likely have consoles when they go over to play, so it is worth taking a look at the good parts of gaming.
When managed well, gaming can offer real benefits. Many games encourage problem-solving, strategic thinking, and creativity. Puzzle games, building worlds, and story-driven adventures can sharpen critical thinking skills and even support literacy. Multiplayer games can also help children develop teamwork and communication skills, especially for kids who may struggle socially offline.
Of course, gaming can also be a great way for families to connect. Playing together gives parents insight into what their children enjoy and opens the door to conversations about decision-making, online behavior, and emotions. For some kids, gaming is also a way to relax and decompress after school, much like reading or watching TV.
The Risks Parents Should Consider
That said, unrestricted gaming comes with downsides. Excessive screen time can affect sleep, attention span, and physical activity. Some games are designed to be highly stimulating, making it hard for kids to stop playing without clear limits in place.
Online games introduce additional challenges. Chat features, in-game purchases, and exposure to strangers are all valid concerns. Many parents have heard about Roblox safety concerns, for example, which highlight the importance of parental controls, privacy settings, and active supervision when children play social or user-generated games like Roblox. These risks don’t mean kids shouldn’t play, but they do mean parents should stay involved.
Setting Healthy Boundaries
If you choose to let your kids game, boundaries matter more than bans. Start with age-appropriate games and use ratings as a guide, not a guarantee. Limit daily screen time and avoid gaming right before bed. Keep consoles and computers in shared family spaces when possible so play isn’t completely hidden away.
It’s also a good idea to talk openly with your kids about online behavior and what it is okay to share or view and what it is not, just so they know what is safe and what is not, and os they feel able to come to you with any concerns they have.
So… Should You Let Them Game?
For most families, the answer is yes, but with intention. Gaming isn’t inherently harmful, and it isn’t automatically beneficial either. Like social media, it reflects how it’s used. With clear rules, ongoing conversations, and a willingness to engage rather than simply restrict, gaming can be a positive part of your child’s life.
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