Gaming guide for Pre-schoolers

Gaming is increasingly popular among younger children, with the majority of children now gaming before the age of 5.

With children starting at such a young age, it is important to consider how you can make their experience as safe as possible.

Choose age-appropriate games

Not every game is appropriate for every child. Online gaming can bring risks and challenges that younger children might not be mature enough to engage with.

When choosing a game, consider the PEGI rating, whether it includes communication or in-game transactions and what parental controls are available to help keep your child safe while playing.

Talk about gaming

Talk regularly with your child about gaming, including what games they play and what they’re doing in them. This can provide an insight into how gaming is effecting them and gives you an opportunity to respond if there are any concerns.

Try playing games alongside your child. This can help you understand what they are being exposed to while giving you opportunities to talk about the game.

Establishing communication around gaming early can also make these conversations easier as your child gets older and begins playing more mature games.

Explore parental controls

Some video games have in-built parental controls that let you manage your child’s experience and help keep them safe while playing.

You can also set controls on the device your child is using, allowing you to restrict access to inappropriate games and set screen time limits.

For more tips to support pre-schoolers gaming, explore our guide below.