How much gaming is OK, and when should I worry?
Gaming is part of leisure screen time, so the Public Health Agency of Sweden's advice applies: at most 1–2 hours a day for ages 6–12 and 2–3 hours for ages 13–18. PEGI age labels (3, 7, 12, 16 and 18) show whether a game's content suits an age, not how difficult it is. According to WHO, gaming disorder affects only a small share of people who play.
What do the PEGI labels mean?
PEGI age ratings are used across Europe. The number is a minimum age recommendation based on the game's content, such as violence, fear, bad language, sex, gambling or drugs. It says nothing about difficulty: a PEGI 3 game can be hard for young children, and a very easy game can be rated 18. Also look for notes about in-game purchases and online chat.
How do I set gaming limits that hold?
- Count gaming as part of the day's leisure screen time.
- Agree on times in advance, and give a warning before time is up. Stopping in the middle of a match is hard.
- Use the parental controls on the console, computer or app store to set age limits, spending limits, chat settings and playing time.
- Stop gaming at least 30 minutes before sleep, and keep devices outside the bedroom at night.
- Play together sometimes. You see what the game is about and who your child plays with.
When is it gaming disorder?
The World Health Organization defines gaming disorder in ICD-11 as impaired control over gaming, giving gaming more and more priority over other interests and daily activities, and continuing or increasing gaming despite negative consequences. For a diagnosis, the pattern must seriously affect personal, family, social or school life, and would normally have been present for at least 12 months.
Try this week
- Look up the PEGI label of your child's favourite game together.
- Turn on spending limits in the console or app store this week.
- Agree on a "last match" signal a little before gaming time ends.
When to get help
Talk to your child's doctor or school nurse if gaming crowds out sleep, school, friends and activities over a long period, or if your child becomes very upset or aggressive when they cannot play. In an emergency, call 112 or your local emergency number.