Mumsnet users share their thoughts about kids and online gaming with Nintendo

[LibbyMumsnet]

This sponsored discussion is now closed

This year, kids are spending more time online for everything from education to catching up with friends. Now that most of the UK is in a second national lockdown, online gaming is set to become more popular. With this in mind, Nintendo would like to hear your thoughts on the benefits of online gaming, and any concerns you have.

Here’s what Nintendo has to say: “Keeping an eye on screen time, ensuring your child is playing games appropriate for their age and only with friends that they know are all challenges that parents face in the modern world. That’s why Nintendo created the Nintendo Parental Controls app, a mobile app that links to the Nintendo Switch and helps you manage and control these at your fingertips. Giving you peace of mind so you can spend less time worrying and more time having fun.”

Are you worried your child is playing video games too much? Or perhaps you're concerned about the types of games they’re playing? Maybe you have thoughts on how to encourage them to do other things if they’ve been playing for a while? Could online gaming offer some benefits for children at a time of social isolation? Maybe you enjoy playing with them and consider it an opportunity to bond as a family?

Share your thoughts on the thread below to be entered into a prize draw where one MNer will win a £100 voucher for the store of their choice (from a list).

Thanks and good luck!

MNHQ

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[IThinkIMadeItWorse]

My children love to game and we sometimes do it together as a family activity. I think it has benefits and can be very relaxing, educational, enjoyable and sociable! Of course there is a danger (as with any absorbing activity) that it can take over and take time from other things, there is a balance to be found, we have set times when they are allowed on their screens and they also know when we say to get off they need to get off. We are quite careful about which games we let our children play and do pay attention to the age ratings, we have also talked to them about how games (and social media!) are designed to be addictive and keep you playing (just one more level!)

[burwellmum]

He plays more than I am happy with and they are more violent but he plays against his friends which was very good for him through lockdown as it helped him keep in contact with them.
I have tried playing some of them but I am completely useless.

[Montydoo]

As long as the games are age appropriate, there are no 'in app' purchases and they have quality time with their friends for a 'session' I do not have an issue with my children playing games - it's a bit of escapism and 'normality' for them.<br /> They have boundaries and know to stick to them.

[Alo2019]

My son loves his switch but he has time sets on it as I don’t want him on it all the time. I limit the time he spends in it at weekends also

[MedusasBadHairDay]

Both me and DH are gamers, so we'd like to be able to share the hobby with the kids. Problem is, we don't want the kids playing games where they are encouraged to chat to strangers, or where there are loot boxes, or microtransactions. We're also aware that our eldest trend to become obsessed with stuff (a trait he's possibly got from me), so games that encourage regular check ins (eg. Animal crossing) could cause us some issues. As they are still little (6 and 8) the choice of games is fairly limited.

Both kids live Minecraft (what kids don't), and over the Xmas holidays were going to let them try Stardew Valley on the switch (we're hoping they'll find it easier than on a laptop).

I'm just looking forward to when they are old enough to do a co-op RPG with us.

[SuzCG]

I definitely worry that my DS 'games' too much and I am concerned about his apparent addiction to Fortnite...

However, during the first real lockdown earlier this year (when we really couldn't see anyone) I can see that it was his only social link with friends and there were moments when I was glad he had that. To hear him chatting and laughing online did become something of a strange comfort, weirdly...

[Donsav]

We treat the Switch as a family affair and all get involved playing Mario Kart, which is great fun. My eldest is only 6 and I don't like the games on the iPad, which show ads as they are not age appropriate, or he asks me to buy him gems, I'd rather buy an add free game or one that doesn't require paying more.

[Quietvoiceplease]

I think there is nothing wrong with gaming in itself but, as with most things in parenting, it's about moderation, being willing to say no, and ensuring only age appropriate material is accessed.
These things are really hard when your values feel at odds with most other parents. No one should spend relentless hours doing one thing, no one should be sleep deprived because of games. It is addictive though, so parents need to know there will be battles. We have been very strict with our DCs since they were young, and we still face very regular battles with them about screen time. It can feel relentless. Anything which companies do to help encourage them to self regulate is a good thing.
As an aside, I have only DDs and they have much less interest in gaming (almost none) compared to almost all of the boys that I know (I know there are girls that like gaming, and boys that don't) but in my experience, boys seem much more interested and more like to spend every waking hours glued to games.

[dorey69]

I don’t mind gaming as A down time. But I prefer reading and doing outside activities instead.
It’s studying first and only really have game console because all the children at school have them,

[LibbyMumsnet]

Thanks to everyone who took part in this sponsored discussion. The winner of the prize draw is @BuntyBonus - congratulations!

[Veeg34]

I Worry about children spending so much of their time gaming and missing out on things that I used to do when I was younger! On the other hand, in current circumstances, it is a good way for kids to keep in contact and spend time together even if it is through a screen.

[BuntyBonus]

@LibbyMumsnet - wow, thank you, I’m over the moon!! 😀

[DavidSaaine]

I believe that there is nothing wrong with the fact that children now spend more time on the Internet. It's cool that they can chat with friends and complete different study tasks.
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