Video Games: where to start
If you have an elementary school aged kid and you’re thinking about a video game console, I would start with the Nintendo Switch.
Here are my reasons:
It has an app for Parental Controls that you can manage from your own phone
It has the most games for younger kids
I could figure out how to set up friend to friend online play without involving the rest of the strangers on the internet (and if I can do it, you can do it)
Read on for instructions on how to set up parental controls for the Switch. My next video game installment will explain how to how to safely set up friend to friend online play. I promise its possible.
What You Can Control in the Switch Parental Control App
Time Limits, Content Restrictions, Communication, Posting Screenshots, Exceptions to Content Restrictions and Ability to see what games your kid is playing + how much.
From the Nintendo Switch Parental Controls app to your phone, sign into your Nintendo Account and tap “Next.” If you do not have a Nintendo Account already, follow the directions to set one up to continue using the app.
From the main parental controls screen on your app you can manage:
“Play-Time Limits” which can be set to notify the user if they have exceeded the daily play-time limit. These settings can be set individually by day.
“Play-Time Limit” – you can turn off the game remotely via the “Suspend Software” option in the Time Limits window in the app.
“Bedtime Alarm” – you can notify your kid that it’s time to turn off the console for the night.
NOTE that when the allotted time is up or it is bedtime, the console DOES NOT automatically turn off or lock. So most kids just keep playing :)
“Restriction Level” which can be set as Teen, Pre-Teen, Child, or Custom. Select “Custom” to make more granular decisions about the content your children will have access to on the Nintendo Switch console
“Restricted Software” – you can restrict titles based on you kid’s age up to 18+. It uses the ESRB rating system so if you select 13+, your console will have access to games rated EC (Early Childhood), E (Everyone), E10+ (Everyone 10+) and T (Teen)
“Communicating with Others” – you can restrict or limit the ability to interact with other players online. This can (and in my opinion should) be set on a game-by-game basis.
“Posting Screenshots on Social Networks” – you can restrict the ability to post screenshots to social networks like Twitter and Facebook. Elementary kids probably don’t have Twitter or Facebook accounts, but now you know.
“Whitelist” – you can add specific games to an allow list which overrides the Parental Controls. I can’t think of any example of why you might do this, but its possible.
“Most Played Games” – you can review how much time your kid spent playing their Nintendo Switch, and a list of their favorite games on a monthly basis.
What you can control from your Nintendo Account
Disable purchases, friend suggestions and restrict third party services information sharing.
Sign into your Nintendo Account > Family group > Select you kid’s account
“Spending/purchases on Nintendo Switch eShop and nintendo.com” – select this setting > check “To restrict this user’s spending/purchases on Nintendo Switch eShop and nintendo.com, > ‘Save changes.'”
“Viewing of content on Nintendo Switch eShop” – select this setting > check t “To restrict this user’s viewing of content on Nintendo Switch eShop > ‘Save changes.'” NOTE: If restricted, the Nintendo Switch eShop content the user can see will depend on their age and the relevant ESRB rating categories.
“Other settings” – select this setting to restrict “Friend suggestions” or “Services authorized to receive this account’s information.” These settings can also be set for services individually.
My $0.02: General Video Game Tips
In addition to setting up controls, parents should:
Research any game before purchasing. In addition to the ESRB ratings, I strongly recommend Common Sense Media Reviews. I actually trust them more than the ESRB ratings.
Spend at least some time playing the games with your kid. its important they know you are aware of what they’re playing.
Talk to you kid about the risks of vide games, particularly because:
They might see content they aren’t ready for: violence, sexual innuendo or even loud sounds/strobing lights
They might be chatting online for the first time. For many the chat in video games is their first foray into online communication. Some digital etiquette will go a long way.
They might be contact by a stranger for the first time. Depending on how you set up parental controls or don’t, your kid may be able to interact with people they don’t know. Make sure they understand the risks stranger online present, and what to do if a stranger tries to talk to them.
Paid subscribers read on to see my Digital Etiquette Cheat Sheet
1. Type messages like your mom is going to read them. Assume whoever you
don’t want to see your words, will.
2. Be kind. ‘nuff said.
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