Kids & Video Games
Like many aspects of raising kids, when it comes to video games, the healthiest approach is moderation. Too much screen time and games that aren’t right for your child can be unhealthy. Learn how video games can affect kids’ minds and bodies, how to pick games that can help your child, and how to set smart limits.
Can Playing Video Games Be Good for Kids?
When kids play the right games in reasonable amounts, there can be benefits like:
- Problem-solving and creativity. Many games encourage kids to plan ahead and work through challenges. These are skills that kids can use in “real life” as well.
- Social connection. Multiplayer games that kids play with friends can make those relationships stronger and teach teamwork. For kids who are shy or have a condition like autism spectrum disorder, gaming communities can be a place where they feel like they belong.
- Exercise. Games that require movement — like ones that focus on dance or active sports — can help kids be active, but not as much as if they played outside or played sports.
- Learning. High-quality educational video games can support subjects like reading and math. The best versions of these games have learning goals built in.
How Can Video Games Cause Problems?
For most kids, playing video games in sensible amounts is safe, but there are a few things to keep in mind.
Kids With ADHD
Kids and teens with ADHD (attention deficit hyperactivity disorder) may find it harder to stop playing video games than their peers. The sights, sounds, action, and rewards in the games can make kids want to keep playing. Also, gaming and using other media a lot can worsen ADHD symptoms over time. That’s why setting limits is so important.
If your child has ADHD and video games are causing problems at home or school, talk with your doctor.
Poor Mental Health
For most kids, gaming is a way to relax and connect with others. But sometimes kids use it as a way to escape from real-life problems. In certain cases, too much time with video games is linked to ADHD, anxiety, or depression in kids.
Talk to your doctor if your child:
- pulls away from friends, school, and other activities to spend more time gaming
- finds it hard to stop playing video games
- seems anxious or upset when unable to play
Physical Problems
Long gaming sessions without breaks can cause eye strain and pain in the neck, back, hands, and wrists. Sometimes kids can develop repetitive stress injuries, like carpal tunnel syndrome. Have them play for only short amounts of time, sit in a supported position, and stretch their hands and wrists.
If your child has lasting hand or wrist pain from gaming, talk with your doctor.
Choosing the Right Video Games
The pros and cons of video games for kids often depend on why they were made. Some were created with learning and enjoyment in mind. Other games were built to keep kids playing as long as possible by using features like:
- constant rewards, badges, and trophies that make it hard to stop playing
- pop-up ads and pressure to buy things
- endless levels with no natural stopping point
Designers made the games this way so it’s tougher for kids (and adults) to step away. It’s not that the game is actually fun — it was just built to feel that way.
Choose games made with kids' development in mind. Higher-quality games tend to have a clear purpose, a set end point, and don't rely on constant reward loops to keep kids hooked.
What Limits Should I Set?
Playing video games shouldn’t take the place of getting enough sleep or being physically active. So consider setting limits to keep game-playing from interfering with schoolwork, household chores, and the physical activity your child needs every day.
Watch With Younger Kids
Video games aren't recommended for kids under 2. For preschoolers, even simple games should be limited and ideally played with a parent. Young children learn best from real-world play and interaction. If you let young kids play video games, keep it short (15–20 minutes), choose ones with simple and age-appropriate content, and sit with them.
Check Game Ratings
Kids should play games suitable for only their age group. All video games are rated and labeled by the Entertainment Software Rating Board. Avoid any rated "M" for "mature" (for ages 17 and older) or “AO” for “adults only” (for ages 18 and older). These can contain violence, strong language, and sexual content. Kids who play these games tend to be more aggressive. Playing violent video games over and over can make the violence seem normal or even exciting.
Before your child starts a new video game, check the rating, then preview or play the game yourself.
Turn Off the Chat Feature
Many online multiplayer games let you use voice or text chat with strangers. For younger kids, turn off the chat function. It’s often in parental controls settings. If you let older kids use the chat, explain that they should never share personal information with people they don't know in real life.
Use a Common Area & Parental Controls
If you have a video game console or a computer, keep it in a common area of the home, not your child's bedroom. For this device (and any others your child might access) use the parental controls to:
- set daily time limits
- restrict content ratings
- control purchases
- manage who your child can interact with online
Store all devices in your bedroom (or another common area that kids’ can’t get to easily) overnight to charge. This way, your child won’t be tempted to play games late at night.
Encourage Other Activities
Make sure your kids have things to do besides play video games. Encourage them to play sports, join school clubs, hang out with friends, and have quiet time to be creative.
What Else Can Help?
Online, you can check out:
- American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) offers a Family Media Plan tool, which lets you set household rules for gaming and all media as a family.
- Common Sense Media provides parent-friendly reviews and age guidance for video games and apps. See
- See PBS Kids Games & Videos for kid-friendly, educational content.