Choose Age-Appropriate Games and Monitor Interactive Features, Experts Say

Casal dels Infants – Parents are urged to monitor their children’s online gaming, from choosing age-appropriate games to understanding interactive features. This is essential to prevent exposure to inappropriate content and reduce the risk of gaming addiction among children.

Glorya Famiela Ralahallo, also known as Ella, Vice Chair of the Competition Division at the Indonesian Esports Association (PB ESI), emphasized that choosing age-appropriate games, monitoring their content, and managing children’s playtime should be a top priority.

Check Content and Interactive Features

Ella advises parents to review game ratings and familiarize themselves with features such as global chat, in-game purchases, and depictions of violence. “Make sure children are not exposed to things they are not ready to understand,” she said.

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According to her, popular games such as Mobile Legends, PUBG, Free Fire, and Valorant are more suitable for teenagers and adults due to their competitive nature and complexity. For younger children, she recommends educational games such as puzzles, basic strategy games, or language-based games. Games like Minecraft and Roblox can be introduced to older children but still require parental supervision.

Set Playtime Limits and Make Agreements

Online games can offer benefits, including developing strategic thinking, teamwork skills, and even potential career opportunities in esports. However, these benefits must be balanced with time limits. PB ESI recommends a maximum of 1–2 hours per day for school-age children, along with designated “no-gaming days” to allow time for studying, physical activities, and social interaction.

Parents and children should make playtime agreements together, such as only playing after completing homework or on weekends. If a child shows a strong interest in esports, parents can offer structured support. However, signs of addiction, such as anger when prohibited from playing, difficulty stopping, or declining academic performance, should prompt immediate evaluation or consultation with a child psychologist.

Psychologist’s Recommendations: Limit and Balance

Child and adolescent clinical psychologist Gisella Tani Pratiwi from the Indonesian Clinical Psychologists Association (IPK) warns that online games can affect children’s social and emotional development. This risk is especially high if they are played excessively.

IPK’s recommended daily screen time limits are:

• 0–18 months: only educational videos with parental guidance
• 2–5 years: maximum 1 hour per day for non-educational content
• 5–12 years: maximum 2 hours per day outside school assignments
• 13 years and above: based on mutual agreement and shared responsibility

Parents should balance screen time with physical activity, social interaction, and family engagement. Consistent rules are vital to help children develop self-discipline in managing their time.

More Than Just Supervision

Both PB ESI and IPK emphasize that parental involvement goes beyond supervision. Parents should understand their children’s world, including gaming communities such as Discord groups or online chats. “The key is communication, understanding, and consistency,” said Gisella.

Ella added that, when managed properly, games can serve as a tool for learning, healthy entertainment, and even future achievements. Active parental involvement acts as a bridge to ensure children gain the benefits of gaming without falling into its potential risks.

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