When Can I Play Video Games?

It depends on the game! Video games have ratings the same way movies do. That means some are made for young kids, some are for teens older than 13, and others may not be right for people younger than 18. Talk with your parents about which video games you’d like to play. They’ll help you figure out which ones might be good choices for you. Sometimes it’s a best to play a game with your parents so they can see how it is.

Do I Need to Set Time Limits?

Even if your parents let you play a video game, pay attention to how much and how often you play it. Video games can be addicting and make you lose track of time. Gaming can also take time away from other activities that are good for you, like reading, playing outside, spending time with friends, and getting enough sleep. And they can take time away from your homework if you’re not careful.

If you can play video games for a little while and still get your other stuff done, that's great! But if you ever play for longer than you planned, it’s best to have a time limit. Usually, an hour is a good amount of time for most kids to play video games.

Ask your parents how long you can spend playing video games. Parents often set time limits, and many devices help them control how long you can play. 

How Can I Stay Safe When Playing Video Games?

For video games that are online, never share personal facts like your school, phone number, or home address. And never talk to people you don’t know who try to message you.

If you’re bullied in a game, see someone being bullied, or if anyone says something you’re not comfortable with, tell an adult.