With the holiday season just around the corner, it’s that time of year when we start thinking about the ideal presents for the kids in our lives. An Xbox console is often top of the list for many families as it promises endless hours of entertainment, creativity, and social connections, along with opportunities to learn something new.
However, diving into the gaming world might feel overwhelming, especially if you’re new to it. There’s a lot to consider—from understanding online communities and managing screen time, to ensuring content is appropriate and keeping everything safe. Luckily, Xbox has made it straightforward for adults to make informed choices that fit their family’s needs.
The first step when setting up a new Xbox is crucial—always select “Yes” when prompted about whether kids will use the console.
By creating a separate Xbox Child Account rather than using your own, you set up a gaming environment that’s safer and tailored to your child’s age and stage. Plus, you don’t have to worry about buying games again for them to play on the same console. This setup gives you control over which games they can access, how long they can play, and who they can interact with.
After setting up the console, don’t forget to download the Xbox Family Settings app for either Android or iOS. This handy app gives you the power to customize your child’s gaming experience no matter where you are.
Here’s what the app offers:
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Screen Time Management: Easily set daily time limits for your child’s gaming. The app allows kids to send requests for extra playtime, letting you approve or deny them directly, even if you’re not home. You can even pause their game time, which is perfect for calling them for dinner!
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Content Filters: Block mature games and ensure your child only sees content you’re comfortable with by adjusting the content filters.
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Purchase Limits and Approvals: Control in-app purchases with the ask-to-buy feature. You can even add funds to their account for good behavior, ensuring purchases are always approved by you first.
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Communication Controls: Manage who your child can talk to while gaming. You’ve got the reins here—you can control their friend list and review requests, plus decide if they communicate just with friends or block communication entirely.
- Activity Reporting: Get weekly reports detailing what games your child is playing, their playtime, and any request they’ve made for extra time or new games. Handy, right?
Moreover, the Xbox Series X|S is designed with a range of accessibility features so everyone can enjoy gaming. You can explore all the options available on Xbox’s Accessibility site.
Once you’ve got everything set up just the way you like it, the next question is, “What should we play?” Xbox Game Pass is a fantastic option, giving you access to hundreds of games, all for a single monthly fee. There’s a wide array of family-friendly games to choose from, perfect for a family game night or educational play. Just look under the Family & Kids genre for a great selection.
Gaming can spark creativity, enhance hand-eye coordination, and provide a fulfilling sense of accomplishment. It’s also a wonderful way for kids to relax and connect with friends, especially in our increasingly digital world.
Thanks to the Xbox console’s robust features and the comprehensive Xbox Family Settings app, you can ensure your child’s gaming is safe and perfectly aligned with your expectations.
For more details on the Xbox Family Settings app, head over to Xbox.com/family-app.
Remember, entitlements are shared only if child accounts utilize the same console set as the “Home console.” More info on setting a Home console is available on the site.
