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Not all computer games and online games which children and young people play are dangerous. On the contrary: many games promote creative and strategic thinking or are simply good fun. But it is important to be aware of what games children and young people are playing. The following tips will help you to do this.

Build up trust

• Don't simply reject the computer and online games without first having formed your own opinion. Let your child explain the games to you and join in too.
• Give your opinion and set a good example, especially regarding your own Internet or TV habits.
• Encourage your child to look at the disappointments experienced during a game as challenges to be faced, from which he or she can learn.
• In online games the players often chat with each other online to discuss strategies or how the game works. Warn your child not to pass on any personal information to other players and not to tell them any secrets.
• Encourage your child to meet with friends and pursue other leisure activities, and give them the opportunity to do so.

Control, don't ban

• Control begins with buying games appropriate to your child's age: Look closely at the recommended age on the game cover or look for it at www.pegi.ch. Ask about the type of game and its content when you buy it. Make family and friends who give games to your child aware of the recommended age limits.
• Don't forget that the age limits of online games can change when additional features and extensions can be downloaded. In Austria the BUPP federal office for the positive classification of computer and console games publishes a list of recommended games: www.bupp.at/spiele.
• Place the computer on which your child plays in a conspicuous place, for instance in the living room. That way you can see what he or she is playing, and for how long.
• Here are some tricks for healthy playing: Make sure there is sufficient light, take regular breaks, don't sit too close to the screen, drink plenty and get a good balance between playing on the computer or online and playing outside or doing sport.

Agree on some rules

• It's not a good idea to impose a complete ban, because children know how to get round this, for instance by going to their friends' to play computer games. But you can set clear rules on when and how long your child can play - e.g. once homework is done. If your child is not happy about this, explain your reasons.
• Write down on a chart how long your child plays. Children aged from 4 to 6 should play for a maximum of 30 minutes and only with an adult present, 7 to 11-year-olds for a maximum of 60 to 90 minutes and 12-year-olds for a maximum of two hours per day. It may help to agree on a "weekly budget" and days when no computer games are played.
• If your child becomes withdrawn and gets 'lost' in the world of gaming, don't react by forbidding them to play. Playing complex online games can be very time consuming. Talk to your child about their behaviour and reduce the time they can play.
• Inform you child when the time allotted for playing is coming to an end - this way they can finish off the level they are on, experience success and will not be frustrated at having been interrupted abruptly - which may mean that all their successes so far were for nothing.
• Tell older brothers and sisters to keep data carriers and gaming devices out of younger ones' reach.
• Young people tend to find ways of getting at games which are unsuitable for their age. Talk about this with them.

Set parental controls

• Find out about parental controls for games consoles and software. The controls allow you to define the access criteria yourself, create password protection and regulate the total playing time.
• Console manufacturers have built options into their products for protecting minors. These options ensure that the recommended age limit of a game is observed automatically. Information on how to set parental controls is included with the products or can be found online.