Video games: how should we talk about them?
Video games can be a source of conflict between parents and children. To avoid this and maintain calm communication around this hobby, it is important to know how to approach video games as a family. Discover our tips.
Enforce rules and ensure compliance
It's not about being overly restrictive and imposing rules unilaterally. Take the time to discuss it with your child to explain why it's important to set aside specific times for video games and find a compromise acceptable to everyone. Being clear and firm should not prevent you from listening and having a constructive and friendly exchange.
The rules may relate to permitted types of play and playing time agreed upon per day or per week. Once the limits have been set, it is necessary to stick to them. Your child or teenager will undoubtedly test you to try to «scrape together» a little more playtime. At these times, you must be able to remind them of the rules that you have established together. And if he still does not comply, then the appropriate sanctions must be applied.
If your child has broken a rule, you could, for example, temporarily reduce the amount of time they are allowed to spend playing video games, or even stop them from playing for a while. In fact, It is up to you as a parent to enforce the rules you have set and any penalties if they are not respected. If your threats are never followed through, you will lose credibility and quickly feel overwhelmed.
Take an interest in the games your child plays
Many parents are unaware of the content, rules and objectives of the games their children play. This lack of knowledge is a major cause for concern and a potentially unnecessary source of conflict.
To avoid this, take an interest in the games your child plays. What type of game does he or she prefer? Why? What is the goal? Ask your child to show you and express your sincere interest, even admiration. You can play with him from time to time. Your child will be delighted to share this moment with you and show you everything they can do. It's an opportunity to enter their world in a fun way and share a moment of togetherness.
Choosing games together
Following on from the previous idea, Choosing video games with your child demonstrates your positive interest in their leisure activities.. And you will be completely reassured about the content of the games you choose.
The PEGI classification is one of the existing criteria for choosing the right game for your child. Launched in 2003 by the video game industry, PEGI (Pan-European Game Information) is a classification system for video games based on age and content type. It indicates the age category for which a video game is recommended, based on its content (violent, shocking, unsuitable). However, like any indicator, it has its limitations. If you are unsure, do not hesitate to ask a shop assistant for advice and discuss it with your child.
Suggest other activities
Video games are a leisure activity like any other. Gaming time should therefore be included as such in your child's schedule.
You always have the possibility of suggesting other activities to him. Present him with several options and let him choose. It is not a question of imposing an activity on him with the sole aim of getting him away from video games, but rather of enriching his world and his daily life and encouraging him to discover other leisure activities.
Video games and teenagers: some specific recommendations
If you want to make your teenager aware of the risks that excessive video gaming can pose, here are a few tips. levers to initiate discussion and help them to open up to other things:
- video games must remain a leisure activity. If it becomes the sole source of investment and your teenager can no longer do without it and organises their life around it, leisure is no longer a pleasure but becomes a constraint. ;
- free will is the most precious asset, and nothing should hinder it, not even a game; ;
- leisure activities that require more investment and personal effort (sport, music, etc.) provide deeper and more lasting satisfaction; ;
- There are several ways to play, either alone or in a group. The group games are convivial and often more enjoyable. They allow emotions to be shared when there is a direct contact; ;
- independence is power manage one's times, including time spent in front of a screen.
- It is entirely possible to balance school and play, provided that a balance is found and take control of one's situation to manage one's time; ;
- growing up also means accept help from others without this being perceived as a hindrance to his independence.
To go further
Need assistance?
Bullying, cyberbullying, revenge porn, webcam blackmail, identity theft, exposure to violent and pornographic content, sexual violence, and usage (excessive screen time, video games, parental controls, account settings, etc.).
