Mobile gaming has exploded in popularity across India in recent years. With affordable smartphones and cheap mobile data plans, millions of Indians are turning to mobile games for entertainment. However, concerns around gaming addiction, inappropriate content, and online safety have also emerged. Parents, in particular, may be worried about how to allow their kids to enjoy mobile gaming while still keeping them safe. This article provides tips and advice for how to safely do mobile gaming in India.
Set Healthy Time Limits
Gaming in moderation is key. Set reasonable limits around how much time you or your kids can spend playing mobile games per day. The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends no more than 1-2 hours of screen time per day for older children, less for younger ones. When time is up, enforce switching off the game and transitioning to other activities. Using built-in parental controls or third party apps to monitor usage and restrict time can help automate limits.
Avoid Late Night Gaming
Avoid mobile gaming within 1-2 hours of bedtime. The blue light emitted from screens can interfere with sleep. Gaming too close to bed makes it harder to fall asleep, leading to sleep deprivation. Set evening cutoff times for gaming based on bedtime. For kids, restrict access to devices past a certain hour. Leaving phones outside bedrooms overnight can help avoid temptation.
Enable Parental Controls
Utilize parental control settings available on most phones and mobile games to restrict access based on content rating and set password protections. On Android, use Google Family Link. On iOS, enable Restrictions. Also use built-in app store controls to only allow age-appropriate game downloads based on rating.
Research Games Before Downloading
Don’t just download any random game. Research games online first to check ratings, reviews, content, and mechanics. Look for red flags like graphic violence, sexual content, or manipulation tactics like hard-to-resist microtransactions. Opt for games rated E for Everyone or E10+ that are family-friendly.
Set Spending Limits
Many mobile games involve in-app purchases which can quickly add up. To avoid overspending, disable in-app purchases altogether or set monthly spending limits adjusted based on age. Link kids’ accounts to parent accounts to better monitor spending. Also link credit cards to Google Play or Apple IDs and require the account password before purchases are approved.
Encourage Healthy Gaming Habits
Set limits around gameplay, but allow enough time for fun. Suggest kids play age-appropriate games that exercise critical thinking, problem-solving, collaboration, or creativity. Recommend competing games that get kids active. Prevent mobile gaming from isolating kids socially by encouraging playing together in the same room or interactions in multiplayer games.
Keep Devices in Public Spaces
Have kids use mobile devices in common rooms where you can casually monitor activity and step in if necessary. Avoid gaming isolated in bedrooms. Play side-by-side to gauge content appropriateness and watch for signs of addiction or inappropriate behaviors with strangers online.
Educate About In-Game Purchases
Many kids don’t understand real money is involved with in-game purchases. Educate kids to gain your approval before buying anything within apps. Highlight how microtransactions can quickly add up to real costs. Teach to be content with free gameplay, without needing expensive add-ons.
Learn About Reporting Options
Most mobile games allow players to report abusive behavior from other players. Learn how to access reporting features to block harassing players. Report inappropriate user names, chat content, and behaviors like cheating or harassment. Stress that kids should come to you for help dealing with issues.
Limit Online Interactions
Most mobile games feature online multiplayer components with chat features. Limit interactions by avoiding unmoderated chats and playing offline when possible. Mute unfamiliar players and report bullies. Remind kids not to share personal info online or arrange offline meetings with strangers met via mobile games.
Monitor Gaming Effects on Mood
Watch for signs that gaming is negatively impacting mental health like increased aggression after playing violent games or social withdrawal. Limit gaming if it affects school performance. Check that gaming isn’t being used to self-medicate when kids are anxious or upset. Consult a counselor if gaming addiction is suspected.
Make Time for Other Activities
While gaming can be engaging, ensure it doesn’t consume all free time. Encourage kids to partake in a balance of activities like outdoor play, reading, sports, and face-to-face interaction. Model healthy device habits yourself by putting down your own phone and joining kids in non-digital activities.
Set Device Free Zones and Times
Institute device free zones like the dinner table or in cars to promote family time. Consider digital detox times like 30 mins before school or an hour before bedtime. Take regular tech breaks as a family like pausing all devices one day a week. Unplugging helps promote healthy time management and work-life balance.
Be Involved and Stay Vigilant
Having open conversations about appropriate gaming, avoiding addiction, and staying safe online goes a long way. Maintain awareness of what games kids are playing and who they are interacting with. Spot check devices and gaming history. Keep lines of communication open so kids are comfortable coming to you for help.
Read more: The Mind Tricks and Psychological Strategies Behind Addictive Gaming Apps
Prioritize Other Responsibilities
Gaming should never interfere with school, chores, extracurricular activities, or sleep. Restrict gaming until responsibilities are complete to develop discipline and time management abilities. Provide reminders to pause games in time to transition to other obligations. Lead by example by limiting your own gaming time appropriately.
Mobile gaming can be an entertaining hobby when approached safely. By taking appropriate precautions around content, screen time limits, spending, online interactions, and balancing gaming with offline activities, parents can allow kids to game while still keeping them safe and healthy. Monitoring gaming behaviors and having frequent conversations about gaming habits and safety are key protecting kids in the digital age. With some common sense management, mobile gaming can be an enjoyable activity for the entire family.
