Video Games: What is the appropriate age & the pros and cons

by Joost Nusselder Updated on: September 24, 2023

From what age do you give a game console and let them play video games? That depends on the development of your child. From the age of 6 they have already made good progress and can play on their own. From the age of 10 they are ready for a games console.

In this article you can read from what age you can give a game computer and what you should pay attention to.

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From what age is a game computer suitable?

As a parent, it is important to know from what age a game console is suitable for your child. There is no clear advice on the age at which children should start gaming. It depends on several factors, such as your child's development and the type of game console you own. Below you can read more about the appropriate age for the most popular game consoles.

Advice

Research has shown that gaming can be very educational for children. For example, it exercises the eyes and it is good for the development of fine motor skills. As a parent, it is important to keep control over your child's gaming. Below you will find a number of tips and advice:

• Choose a game console that suits the age and development of your child.
• Supervise your child's gaming and agree on the duration and frequency of gaming.
• Choose games that are age appropriate for your child and pay attention to the violence of the games.
• Don't let your child play games for too long and make sure there is plenty of variety with other activities.
• Do not just give your child a game computer as a gift, but discuss this in advance and make agreements about its use.

Tips for parents when determining the appropriate age for a game console

As a parent you naturally want the best for your child, also when it comes to playing computer games. But from what age is it actually suitable to purchase a game computer? Below you will find a number of tips that can help you make this decision.

1. Research the different types of game consoles

There are different types of game consoles on the market, such as the Nintendo Switch, PlayStation and DS. Each game computer has its own game elements and suitability for certain age groups. Therefore, do sufficient research into the various game computers and their associated games. View trailers, reviews and reviews and possibly download demos to see if you like the game elements.

2. Determine your child's maturity

Every child develops at his own pace. It is therefore important to look at the maturity of your child before purchasing a game console. Can your child handle rules and boundaries well? Does he or she have enough concentration to sit behind a screen for a longer period of time? These are important factors to consider in your decision.

3. Take control of your gaming

As a parent, it's important to keep control over your child's gaming. Make clear agreements about the time your child is allowed to spend playing computer games and also supervise this. In addition, make sure you are aware of the content of the games your child is playing. Some games can contain violence, while other games contain educational elements.

4. Go along with your child's interests

Children often have a strong interest in certain games or game computers. Go along with this and show interest in what your child is playing. This can be done, for example, by playing together or by asking about your child's experiences while gaming. This way you can also better assess whether a certain game computer is suitable for your child.

5. Pay attention to the age rating of games

Elk Games has an age indication, such as 3+, 6+, 12+ or 16+. This indication indicates for what age it is Games is appropriate. Pay close attention to this when buying games for your child. A Games for example, that is suitable for a 12-year-old may be too intense for a 6-year-old.

6. Don't be jealous of boyfriends or girlfriends

It may happen that your child's friends already have a game console, while you as a parent are still unsure. Do not be influenced by this and make your own decision based on the maturity of your child and the suitability of the game console.

7. Make arrangements about gaming during vacations and long car rides

During vacations and long car rides, it can be tempting to give your child a game console to pass the time. Make clear agreements with your child about this and ensure that other activities are also undertaken. This way you prevent your child from spending the entire holiday or car ride behind a screen.

8. Be honest about your own experiences with computer games

As a parent, you probably have experience with computer games yourself. Be honest about this with your child and tell, for example, about the times when you spent too much time behind the computer. This way your child can learn from your experiences and you can make agreements about gaming together.

Computer games are now an indispensable part of the lives of children and young adults. But it is important as a parent to maintain control over your child's gaming and determine the appropriate age for a game console based on the maturity of your child and the suitability of the game console.

Gaming computers and health

Game computers have long been an integral part of our society. The introduction of the first console, the Xbox, dates back to 2001. Since then many other consoles and handhelds have appeared on the market. But what about the health of the users of these gaming computers?

Gaming computers and physical exertion

There is still the image of the lonely gamer who plays for hours in a dim room. But according to recent research from Radboud University, gaming can actually combat loneliness and promote friendships. In addition, there are more and more these days games where some physical effort is necessary. For example, there are games where you have to work with the joysticks using swinging movements, such as the sports and fit games. This may not seem like much fun at first glance, but it is indeed educational and healthy.

The best game console for young children

As a parent, you naturally want the best for your child. But at what age can children actually start gaming? The general advice is not to give a game console to children under the age of 6. But if you do decide to buy a game console for your young child, it's important to supervise and make sure the equipment is simple and manageable. There are even special game computers on the market that are completely tailored to young children, such as the talking toy consoles.

Health risks of gaming

Although gaming can also be healthy, there are certainly health risks associated with gaming. For example, prolonged gaming can lead to physical complaints, such as RSI and back problems. In addition, gaming can lead to a lack of exercise and obesity. It is therefore important as a parent to supervise and encourage your child to do other activities as well.

Advice when buying a game computer

If you want to buy a game console, it is important to take a good look at the selection criteria. What should you pay attention to when buying a game computer? Here are some tips:

• Look at the age rating of the games. This indicates for which age category the game is suitable.
• Look at the size of the console. Is it small enough to stand in your child's room?
• Look at the price. Is the console affordable and does it fit within your budget?
• Look at recommendations from shopping guides and other advice hunters about the best consoles on the market.

The impact of game computers on child development

Game computers are now an indispensable part of the daily lives of children and young people. The best-known game computers are the Playstation and the Xbox, but there are many other types of game computers on the market. The use of a game computer can have both positive and negative effects on the development of children. The different aspects of development are discussed below.

Cognitive development

Gaming computers are characterized by stimulating thinking and expanding children's physical and mental abilities. Playing games on a gaming computer can lead to information gathering and observing the basis of the information collected. This principle can enhance communication and increase understanding of the world around us. It can also promote children's language development through the creative use of everyday conversations, stories and sentence structures. Children can learn new words and longer sentences and learn to talk better about what happened in the past and what might happen in the future. Discover the difference between the third and fourth dimensions, get to know written signs, books and letters and gradually understand written language. This insight is necessary for later at school.

Cognitive development: numbers and symbols

Gaming computers can also have an immense influence on the cognitive development of children. The data of weight, number and shapes can be learned thanks to the game computer. Children can learn to understand icons and symbols and learn to recognize and use numbers. By playing educational games, children can improve their language and math skills and learn to ask questions and gather information.

Physical development

Game computers are not only aimed at the cognitive development of children, but also at the physical development. Gaming computers can develop gross and fine motor skills by playing games that require children to step, balance and use their hands and eyes in a coordinated manner. Children can also learn to recognize and draw colors and lines. This can all start in the toddler phase, where the child realizes that a condition for daycare and primary school is that the body is well developed.

The different types of game consoles and their suitability for different age groups

As a parent it is important to know which game console is suitable for your child. There are different types of game consoles available, each with its own characteristics and suitability for different age groups. Below we explain the differences between the existing game computers.

Nintendo

Nintendo is one of the oldest game consoles and is suitable for children aged 6 and over. It's a good choice for parents looking for a console for younger children. Nintendo has a wide range games which are suitable for children and also offers older ones games that are fun for adults. The Nintendo Switch is Nintendo's latest game console and is available from around €300.

Nintendo's Switch is a great form of entertainment for children from about 6 years old. It is an educational game console that can be used both at home and outside. The Switch contains several games that are suitable for young children, such as Animal Crossing and Lego City.

PlayStation

The PlayStation is one of the most popular game consoles among children and young people. It is important to know that the PlayStation games that are not suitable for children under 16 years old. It is therefore important as a parent to monitor your child's gaming. In general, the PlayStation is suitable for children from about 10 years old.

DS

The DS is a games console that has been around since 2004. It is a great form of entertainment for children from about 6 years old. The DS contains several educational ones games, such as Harvest Moon and Lego City. As a parent, it is important to supervise your child's gaming, but in general the DS is a suitable gaming console for young children.

Xbox

The Xbox is a modern games console that is suitable for children aged 12 and over. It's a good choice for parents looking for a console that's suitable for older kids and teens. The Xbox has a wide range of options games that are suitable for this age category and also offers online gaming thanks to the Xbox Live connection. The Xbox Series

PC

A PC is a good choice for older children and teenagers who enjoy gaming. It's a good choice for parents looking for a console that's suitable for older kids and teens. A PC offers a wide range of options games that are suitable for this age category and also offers online gaming. A PC is available from approximately €500.

gameboy

The Gameboy is a good choice for younger children aged 6 and over. It is a portable game console that is suitable for children who like to game on the go. The Gameboy offers a wide range games that are suitable for this age category and is available from approximately €100.

Vtech

Vtech is a good choice for younger children aged 3 and over. It is an educational game console that is suitable for children who like to learn while they play. Vtech offers a wide range educational games and is available from around €50.

Considerations

There are many considerations to be made when choosing a gaming computer. Below we have listed some important points:

• Age of the child
• Wishes of the child
• Suitability of the console for the age of the child
• Exercise while gaming
• Cost of the console and games
• Possibility of online purchases and credits
• Impact on child development
• Console durability

Do children still play with toys after being given video games?

Yes, kids still play with toys after they get video games. It is important to understand that both traditional toys and video games provide different benefits and forms of entertainment, and they can coexist in a child's life.

Toys provide physical, tactile experiences and stimulate imagination, creativity and social interaction. Children can play different roles with toys, make up stories and play together with friends or family.

Video games, on the other hand, often provide digital entertainment and can have educational benefits such as promoting problem-solving thinking and hand-eye coordination. They can also promote social interaction when children play online with others.

The potential risks of getting into gaming too early

As a parent you naturally want the best for your children, also when it comes to gaming. While gaming can provide many benefits, there are also risks associated with starting gaming too early. Below you will find an overview of possible risks and what you should pay attention to as a parent.

Gaming can lead to addiction

Gaming can be addictive, especially for children. It can lead to excessive gaming, which can lead to problems in school, home, and social situations. It's important to monitor your child's gaming time and establish rules to prevent excessive gaming. If you notice that your child can no longer do without gaming and daily life suffers, it may be that there is an addiction. In that case, it is important to seek professional help.

Gaming can lead to health problems

Too much gaming can lead to health problems, such as obesity, sleeping problems and reduced physical fitness. It is therefore important to keep an eye on your child's game time and to ensure that your child also gets enough exercise and plays outside.

Gaming can lead to a lack of social skills

Too much gaming can lead to a lack of social skills, because children spend less time on social activities. It is important to encourage your child to play outside and to undertake other social activities.

Gaming can lead to a lack of concentration and perseverance

Too much gaming can lead to a lack of concentration and perseverance as children get used to quick rewards and lack patience. It is important to teach your child how to deal with frustration and disappointment and to encourage them to persevere with difficult tasks.

The benefits of gaming for children and young people

Gaming often has a negative connotation, but there are also many benefits for children and young people. Below you will find an overview of the most important advantages.

Gaming can contribute to physical and mental development

• Gaming can help develop perseverance, responsiveness, working memory, patience, ability to collaborate and spatial awareness.
• Research from the University of Amsterdam shows that children who play action games are better at analyzing visual information and can make better decisions than children who do not.
• The US military uses gaming as part of psychological treatment to prepare soldiers for stressful situations.
• Gaming can help collect files and solve puzzles, which can help develop children's analytical skills.

Gaming can contribute to media-savvy children

• Gaming can contribute to making the English language understandable, because many games are in English.
• Scientific research shows that the image of gaming as dangerous for the well-being of children is more nuanced than previously thought. As long as gaming time is limited to a total of no more than 1 hour per day, gaming can even contribute to better sleep quality and a more active lifestyle.
• Playing games such as Fortnite, Minecraft and World of Warcraft can contribute to better cooperation between children and young people.

Parents must set rules

• It is important that parents, in consultation with their children, set rules about gaming time, because too much gaming can be counterproductive.
• The Bitefile advises parents not to allow children to play games for more than 1 hour per day and to avoid gaps in the day when children would otherwise be inactive.
• It's important for parents to be aware of the potential downsides of gaming, such as the lurking danger of fake profiles and child locks.

Conclusion

From what age do you give a game computer?

This is a good way to get kids into gaming and it's important to choose the right game console for your child's age.

Joost Nusselder, the founder of Speelkeuze.nl is a content marketer, father and loves trying out new toys. As a child he came into contact with everything related to games when his mother started the Tinnen Soldaat in Ede. Now he and his team create helpful blog articles to help loyal readers with fun play ideas.