The holidays are just around the corner, bringing with them the joy and excitement of selecting the ideal gift for the kids in your life. One option that promises endless entertainment, connection, creativity, and even some learning, is the Xbox.
However, if you’re new to the world of gaming, it might initially seem overwhelming. You might find yourself bombarded with questions concerning online gaming communities, monitoring screen time, ensuring content is appropriate, and maintaining safety. Thankfully, Xbox simplifies this process, making it easy for parents and guardians to make informed choices for their families.
When setting up a new Xbox console, one of the most crucial steps is to say "Yes" when asked if kids will be using it.
Taking a few moments to create a dedicated Xbox Child Account lays the foundation for a safer and more personalized experience tailored to your family’s needs, which can be adjusted as your child grows. Don’t fret—you won’t need to repurchase games for your child to play on the same console. You’ll have the autonomy to decide which games they can access, how long they can play, who they can communicate with, and more.
Once your Xbox is set up, you can maintain a secure environment by downloading the Xbox Family Settings app on your Android or iOS device. This app is a powerful tool that gives you the ability to customize your child’s gaming experience from anywhere, even if you’re not near the console.
Here’s a glimpse of what the app can do:
Managing Screen Time: Set daily time limits to manage your child’s gameplay duration. Many parents (and grandparents, aunts, and uncles!) have told us they appreciate the feature that lets kids request extra playtime, giving you the choice to approve—or deny—those requests through the app. You can even pause gameplay on demand, a great way to announce when dinner’s ready!
Content Filters: Tailor the content your child can access, filtering out games with mature themes and ensuring they only encounter age-appropriate content approved by you.
Purchase Limits and Approvals: Avoid surprise spending by approving every purchase through the ask-to-buy feature. To reward good behavior, you can add funds to their account for future purchases, seamlessly.
Communication Controls: Control who your child can communicate with during their gaming sessions. You can manage their friend list, review incoming requests, and limit their communication to friends only or block it entirely.
Activity Reporting: Receive weekly activity reports that keep you in the loop about what games your child is playing, how long they’ve been playing, and any additional time or game requests they’ve made. Handy, don’t you think?
Beyond these, the Xbox Series X|S is packed with features designed to make gaming accessible to everyone, details of which can be found on Xbox’s Accessibility page.
Once you’ve set up the ideal gaming environment, the question is, what will you play together? Xbox Game Pass is a fantastic option, offering access to hundreds of games for a single monthly fee, and it includes a vast array of family-friendly titles. From exciting adventures to educational games, there’s something for everyone. You can find the latest list by selecting the Family & Kids category in the Game Pass area on your Xbox console.
Playing games can enhance creativity, improve hand-eye coordination, and provide a sense of accomplishment. They’re also brilliant for helping kids unwind, stay connected with friends, or become the centerpiece of your family’s game night in today’s digital age.
With the comprehensive features available on your Xbox and managed through the Xbox Family Settings app, you can ensure your child’s gaming experience is as safe and controlled as you wish.
For more details about the Xbox Family Settings app, head over to Xbox.com/family-app.
Please note that game entitlements are shared only if child accounts are using the same console designated as the Home console. More info on setting a Home console is available here.
