The rush of the holiday season is upon us, which means it’s time to think about finding that perfect gift for the children in your life. Maybe an Xbox is on your list—an option that promises endless fun, creativity, connection, and even learning opportunities.
For those new to the world of gaming, navigating through it all might feel a bit overwhelming. You may have concerns, such as understanding online gaming communities, setting screen time limits, ensuring content is appropriate, and keeping everything safe. Fortunately, Xbox provides tools that simplify making smart choices for your family.
When setting up a new Xbox, the most crucial step is to click ‘Yes’ when asked if the console will be used by kids. Taking a moment to create an Xbox Child Account rather than letting them use your account is worth it. This step creates a safer, tailored gaming experience for your child and makes it easy to adjust as they grow. Don’t worry about buying games again—your collection remains accessible on the same console*. Plus, you get control over what games they can play, the duration of playtime, who they interact with, and more.
To keep your child’s gaming experience safe, download the Xbox Family Settings app on your Android or iOS device once your console is ready. This app empowers you to tailor their gaming journey from anywhere, whether you’re next to the console or miles away.
Here’s a taste of what this app can do:
Screen Time Management: Set daily time limits for gaming sessions. Many parents (and even grandparents, aunts, and uncles) appreciate the feature where children can request extra playtime. You can approve or decline such requests through the app effortlessly. Need to call your little gamer to dinner? Just pause the game time temporarily!
Content Filters: Customize the content your child can encounter. Block mature games and ensure they access only what’s suitable for their age.
Purchase Controls: Manage any surprises by approving each purchase with the ask-to-buy feature. You can also add funds to their account to reward them for good behavior.
Communication Settings: Decide who your child communicates with during gaming. The app allows you to manage friend lists, review incoming requests, and even restrict or block communications.
Activity Reporting: Receive weekly reports on your child’s gaming activities. See what they play, for how long, and any requests for extra game time or new games. Handy, right?
Moreover, the Xbox Series X|S comes with a variety of features to support inclusive gaming. For full details, check out Xbox’s Accessibility site.
Once your child’s gaming experience is set, the next decision is what to play together. The Xbox Game Pass serves up great value, offering hundreds of games for a single monthly fee, including a wide range of family-friendly titles. Whether you’re looking for exciting adventures or educational games, there’s something for everyone. For a list of these games, click ‘Family & Kids’ under Genres in the Game Pass section on your console.
Playing games can ignite creativity, enhance hand-eye coordination, and bring a sense of achievement. They’re also excellent for winding down and socializing, or as the star of a family game night—perfect for our digital age.
With the robust features built into your Xbox console, complemented by the Xbox Family Settings app, you can ensure your child’s gaming adventure is as safe and controlled as you desire.
To learn more about the Xbox Family Settings app, visit Xbox.com/family-app.
*Shared entitlements are only available if child accounts use the same console designated as the “Home console.” More information about setting up a Home console can be found here.
