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Protecting Youth: Parent’s Guide to Age-Appropriate Gaming

A recent survey highlights a growing concern among Saudi parents: 81% believe their children play video games unsuitable for their age. Boys are more likely to engage in such behavior, with 50% violating age guidelines compared to 43% of girls. This alarming trend calls for immediate attention and proactive measures from parents.

Understanding the Gap Between Parents and Children

Interestingly, only 24% of children admit to playing age-inappropriate games, revealing a significant discrepancy between parental perceptions and children’s admissions. Conducted by Kaspersky, the survey suggests parents may overestimate the issue, or children might lack awareness of age restrictions. Bridging this gap requires open communication and education about gaming content.

Balancing Gaming Time for Healthy Development

Video gaming remains a favorite pastime among Saudi youth, with 37% playing 1-3 times weekly and 29% gaming daily for 1-2 hours. While gaming can be entertaining, excessive screen time may impact children’s routines, sleep, and physical activity. Parents must strike a balance to ensure their children’s well-being.

Seifallah Jedidi, Head of Consumer Channel for META at Kaspersky, emphasizes the importance of balance. He advises parents to maintain routines, ensure sufficient sleep, and encourage physical activity. Jedidi also recommends parents explore the latest games, understand their children’s preferences, and pay attention to age guidelines. Many modern games include educational content, making them valuable when used responsibly.

Practical Steps for Parents

To create a safe and age-appropriate gaming environment, Kaspersky offers the following recommendations:

  • Engage with Your Child’s Gaming Interests: Take an active interest in the games your children play. Try these games yourself to build trust and better understand their preferences.
  • Encourage Alternative Hobbies: If gaming becomes excessive, introduce alternative activities like sports, reading, or arts to diversify their interests.
  • Educate About Online Risks: Stay informed about cyber threats and discuss potential risks with your children. Teach them how to recognize and avoid scams.
  • Utilize Parental Controls: Use parental control programs to monitor app downloads and set usage schedules, ensuring a balanced approach to screen time.

By adopting these measures, parents can help their children enjoy gaming safely while fostering healthy habits and balanced lifestyles.

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