What to Look for When Buying Video Games for Kids

blog / What to Look for When Buying Video Games for Kids

It’s common knowledge that video games, while steeped in benefits from both a developmental, cognitive and social element, can contain themes, messages and undertones which are harmful to the kids who play them. Certain titles reward or encourage violence, expose their audience to mature content or contain language which you’d certainly not want repeated at the dinner table.

Most of these titles, however, are specifically designed for older, more mature audiences who possess the emotional and intellectual maturity required to not internalise their content. When used by un-demarcated age groups, the wealth of negative effects on young players is profound. As such, we’ve put together a guideline for parents who want to maintain the fun without exposing their child to a potentially harmful experience.

When purchasing or reviewing whether or not a title is suitable for your child, the first step is determining whether it’s age appropriate. This is simplified by looking for either the South African Film and Publications Board OR the overall European rating…

There are 6 main categories in the Entertainment Software Rating Board rating system:

E: This level rating means “Everyone” – the content is typically suitable for all ages. There may be mild language or mild violence depending on the game.
E 10+: Meant for “Everyone 10+”: children from 10 years old and up can play the content in video games with this rating. It’s once again possible there will be fantasy, cartoon, mild language or violence, or suggestive themes.
T: Standing for “Teen,” this content is usually OK for children ages 13 years old and up. However, language is typically stronger, and there may be more crude humor, gambling, or violence depending on the video game.
M: “Mature 17+” is for those who are 17 years old and older due to content possibly containing blood/gore, sexual content, strong language, and intense violence.
A: This rating is for “Adults 18+” because the content is not suitable for children at all. Video games with this rating may contain gambling with real money, graphic sexual content, or long moments with intense violence.
RP: RP stands for “Rating Pending,” meaning video games with this rating have not yet been assigned a final ESRB rating.

The next step? Cost and in-game purchases

Many games (we’re looking at you, EA) encourage a system of “loot boxes” or “pay-to-progress”, where those individuals who spend real world money for in-game items can expect to see greater rewards, unlockables and a significantly improved gaming experience. This can be dangerous in younger hands, where unexpecting adults can suddenly see costs attributed to their credit card with no idea why.

As an adult, you need to consider whether your game offers in-app purchases or hidden costs for additional features. You can either avoid loading your card details on the system altogether, or implement restrictions for said purchases and educate your child on the dangers of spending.

Want to limit game time/ Look at Gaming Books

Gaming has been linked with lots of benefits, from better memory and problem-solving skills to improved coordination and creativity. It can be a wonderful hobby for your child. With any hobby we are passionate about, we would like to know as much as we could about this hobby. From histories and looks behind the scenes, technical and industry explorations, art spreads, and works of fiction, the best gaming books are terrific. Why not give your child the right book to read about his favorite hobby or games that can expand on his gaming skills and up to his game? Your child will unknowing be eager to start digging into these books, to learn more about their game, game manual, storyline, etc. and put down that controller

Reading a book with actual pages you need to turn has many benefits for your child. Children who enjoy reading will reap the fruits of the benefits of reading:

Supported cognitive development.
Improved language skills.
Preparation for academic success and easy learning.
Increased concentration discipline and memory.
Improved imagination and creativity.
Refining a lifelong love of reading.
Reduces stress and helps them relax and be calm.
Vocabulary expansion and strengthens their writing abilities.
Enhances their knowledge.

Such as the games, the content of the book must also be reviewed as the content should be age-appropriate, ensure you do check the age rating as well as the ESRB rating. Pay attention not only to the age restriction but to the reason it was issued. If the age rating is confusing, perhaps read a review of the book to understand the content. Knowing what the game and book are about will help you decide.

Some books might not be available in stores in South Africa but can be ordered online. There is a variety of collections available. In conclusion, it’s ok for your children to unplug and read about their favorite video game or related topics.

The most popular books

Grades R to 2 / Age 6 – 8

Press Start # 1
Game Over, Super Rabbit Boy – various topics and activities in different collections
Pokemon Go – various topics in different collections
Mario the official sticker book (for puzzle-solving) – various topics and activities in different collections
Secret Coders
Math Fun for Minecrafters

Grades 3 to 7 / Age 9 – 13

The Ultimate Builders Guide in Minecraft – various topics in different collections
Diary of a Minecraft Zombie (gamers book that is similar to Diary of a Wimpy Kid)
The best Roblox Games ever – various topics in different collections
Game On! 2021
What is Nintendo?
How to start A YOUTUBE Channel
Sonic & Friends – various topics in different collections

Grades 7 – 12 / Age 13 – 18