Safe games guide for under-5s

Start with setting parental controls on your child’s device. With Apple Family Sharing and Google Family Link, you can set screen time limits on individual apps. This means if you only want your child to spend 10 minutes on a game, you can set this up.

Samsung Kids also lets you do this and can keep your child from accessing other apps.

Some individual games will also have parental controls you can set. This becomes more common as your child grows, however. Before letting your child play a new game, explore the settings and see what you can use.

Not every video game is appropriate for children under 5. At this age, it’s best to focus on games which help them build skills in number and letter recognition, problem-solving and thinking.

Start with looking at the PEGI rating to check that it’s suitable for your child’s age. The Family Gaming Database Game Finder also allows you to search for games based on age, style, themes and more.

Play games yourself first to decide whether they also support your child’s development.

Before, during and after your child’s time playing a game, talk with them about it.

• Set boundaries (e.g. You can play for ten minutes and then we’re eating lunch) which help with transitions.
• Ask them about the characters in the game.
• Ask them about the purpose of the game.
• Discuss whether the game is funny or difficult.
• Ask them if they’d want to play again later.
• Discuss whether they’d want a similar game or something new.

Try playing games alongside your child as well. It’s a great way to bond and can help those chats happen naturally.

Introducing regular chats around playing video games can also make these conversations easier as your child grows and explores more.

No, they do not. You do not need to give your child screen time before you (and they) are ready. At this age, it’s much better to prioritise real-world interaction and play with physical toys.

However, if your child already gets screen time, consider whether educational games can offer any benefit. For example, if they have 30 minutes of screen time per day, which is spent watching video content, you could split it up so that some of that time is spent playing games instead.

Yes, but it depends on the child and their needs. Games on tablets or consoles can help young children develop a range of skills, but it often depends on what type of game.

Are the games slow-paced, repetitive and easy to follow? Do they support developmental skills such as coordination, problem-solving or letter and number recognition?

The benefits depend on what type of game your child is playing and how it support non-digital learning.

If you’re unsure whether your child is ready to play digital games, it’s okay to hold off. You do not need to introduce games for the sake of it.

However, if you’re more interested in the educational opportunities and skill-building, set aside time to play a game together. This is the best way to gauge whether your child seems ready. Can they understand the game? Do they intuitively know how to play? Are they able to follow along with ease? Does it seem to help improve their skills?

If you want to introduce games, try a little at a time to see how it goes.

In terms of age-appropriateness, you can look up games on PEGI or choose platforms like CBeebies. The Family Gaming Database also has a range of game reviews to help you.

When it comes to developmentally appropriate games, it’s best to review them yourself. Look for games which are simple and unflashy. They should have clear structure and clear goals for your child.

The Family Gaming Database provides information about whether a game is calm or educational, which could help.

While it’s a good idea to pair screen time with conversation, we know that’s not always possible. If you need a few minutes with your child playing a game on their own, make sure they can’t browse anywhere else.

Choose games/apps which don’t have ads the might accidentally click on, for instance. Make sure the games are also appropriate for them.

If they’re using your iPhone, turn on Guided Access so that they can’t tap onto something else. If they’re using a Samsung tablet or phone, turn on Samsung Kids so they can only select apps that you’ve allowed.

This could be a sign that the content is too stimulating for them. Even if it is slow-paced and developmentally appropriate, every child is different, so it might be too much for them.

You could try using a sensory timer, which shows them when their screen time is nearly up. Regular reminders can help too. Your child might also transition more easily if there is an exciting activity after their game which can distract and support them.

However, if you notice transitions are constantly difficult, they might not be ready for screen time yet. Encourage regular off-screen playing, moving and creating instead to help them learn healthy regulation.

It depends on a lot of factors. A game may be rated PEGI 3 (for everyone) but still have in-game purchases, so might not be ideal for your child. Other games might not have adult content, but require good hand-eye coordination or have realistic graphics that are confusing to young children.

When looking at PEGI ratings, look beyond the number. What does PEGI say about the game on their website? What are the reviews like? Have other parents tried it out? Use search engines to discover more information.

Your child might also be one age but younger in their development. That could mean that playing some PEGI 3 games could be quite difficult for them.

The best thing you can do is try the game out yourself first. Playing with your child can also help you gauge whether it’s right for them.