Our experts help parents find the right gaming experience at the right time.
With each passing year, children experience screen time—specifically video game screen time—at earlier ages. When kids should be introduced to video games is a decision for parents to make based on the best interests of their own children. Though once regarded as simply sedentary entertainment, video games are increasingly making the news for their active and educational values. In addition to comprehensive academic content, appropriate video games for kids are a form of screen time that teach problem solving and critical thinking skills.
Video games are interactive by design, and when developmentally appropriate, are good source of entertainment and education for children ages two and older. What age is considered too young for kids to be introduced to video games? Is now the time to introduce toddlers to gaming?
Ask yourself:
If you’re able to answer those questions affirmatively, your child may be ready to be introduced to video games for kids. However, each child is different, and there’s not one universal parents’ guide to video games. Instead, parents should carefully evaluate each video game to ensure that the age of their child continues to align with the specific gaming experience.
The best games for kids are games that are age-appropriate and:
Finally, keep in mind that video games should extend and enhance at-home play, but not become a substitute for social interaction—which is critical to young children’s development.