Switch and parental controls: 5 tips
With more than 5 million units sold in France since its release, the Nintendo Switch has made its way into many homes. A family console par excellence, it is often the first point of entry into the world of video games for many children. Switch and parental controls are good friends!
And although video games have positive aspects on the development of children, their use must be controlled and adapted so that they do not suffer negative impacts.
Mr Arthur does not yet integrate the Nintendo Switch, but we ride along Mr Arthur’s same philosophy: https://mrarthur.io/en/home-english/#
1. Install a parental control extension
The Nintendo Switch offers parental controls that can be adapted according to the age of the child. It provides 3 categories to choose the level of restrictions imposed.
But first, let’s see how to access them:
- When you are on the Switch’s main menu, press the “Console Settings” icon
- Go to the “Parental Controls” tab and then to “Parental Controls Settings”
- You can then install the Nintendo Switch Parental Controls app on your smartphone or tablet. Or choose to skip this step by pressing the “X” button
You can then choose the level of restrictions imposed among the three proposals: young children (-7 years), children (-12 years), teenagers (-16 years).
You can also choose a personalized mode if the predefined criteria do not suit you.
Finally, you will be asked to enter a secret code to finalize the settings. You will be asked to enter this code to change the parental control settings, reset the console or configure an Internet connection.
Please note:
- Restrictions apply to the system (except for purchases, which are linked to a Nintendo account) and not to a particular user. If several children use the same console, it is impossible to adapt 2 different categories of restrictions.
- However, if you also use the console, you can deactivate these restrictions by using the secret code. To do this, you must press the orange button (Time Remaining) located at the top center of the console screen and temporarily deactivate the parental control until the device is shut down or put to sleep.
2. Buy age-appropriate games
The Nintendo Switch offers a wide variety of games, each with an icon indicating the age for which it is intended.
This classification is used and recognized throughout Europe and allows you to identify very quickly if the game contains violent scenes, rude content, images or scenarios that generate fear…
It is therefore particularly recommended to respect the PEGI classification when buying a game so that it is suitable for your children and that the content does not offend their sensibilities.
3. Prioritize family play time
With its features and famous licenses, the Nintendo Switch is perfectly suited to your family gaming sessions.
It’s even one of its main assets!
Connected locally or on a network, it is possible to spend good moments of entertainment and sharing with your children.
Whether it’s Mario Kart, Just Dance or Nintendo Switch Sports, you can choose to play together or compete to see who will win.
And it will also allow you to keep an eye (and even both) on your kid’s favorite games.
4. Plan limited play time
Many professionals have studied the problems associated with children’s overuse of screens.
These studies have led to recommendations for time limits and times of day to avoid.
Generally speaking, it is recommended to:
- Avoid screens as much as possible before the age of 3. Indeed, at this age, the child builds his personality and his brain is in full development. It is better to focus on creative activities and activities that will allow him to interact with his environment.
- Limit to 1 hour maximum per day before 6 years old.
- Allow children (between the ages of 6 and 9) to become familiar with digital tools while explaining the best practices to follow and the dangers to which they may be exposed.
- Teach children to protect themselves and their exchanges.
- To be available as a parent, if he/she encounters a problem and that they ensure that the child maintains a use of screens that will not be detrimental to his/her health, school performance and social interactions.
Note: Whatever the age, it is recommended to avoid screen time
– as soon as you wake up or before going to school, so as not to interfere with your concentration
– during meals, so as not to delay the arrival of the feeling of satiety and avoid generating eating disorders. This also allows for a time of exchange and sharing as a family without everyone being isolated in their digital bubble.
– in the evening so as not to alter the falling asleep and the quality of sleep
5. Follow the instructions for use
Like every digital device, the Nintendo Switch system comes with instructions for use, whether they are in the manual, on the internet or directly announced in the game, it is important to respect them so that your family time does not turn into a disaster scenario.
Indeed, you have certainly already seen, at its release and that of its little sister: the Wii, videos of players inadvertently breaking their television because they had not put on the remote control straps.
It would also be a shame if the game session ended with your little one in tears because you inadvertently hit him/her.
Find all the rules of use and safety on the official Nintendo website: https://www.nintendo.com/consumer/info/fr_na/safety-information.jsp
If the Nintendo Switch offers time for games, fun and sharing, it is important to consume them in moderation and to set a framework for a healthy use without negative consequences for your children.