In the fast-paced world that we live in, it can feel downright impossible to get the entire family together in the same room. Trying to find an activity that everyone can enjoy together is an even more improbable task. Yet, sharing experiences as a family and spending time together is necessary for creating close family bonds and maintaining a sense of connection. Today’s GKIS article covers the pros and cons of the Xbox Series X and the Xbox Series S, recommendations for games to play as a family, suggestions for appropriate games that your kid can play alone, and some brief tips to keep your kids safe and connected when it comes to gaming. Creating family cohesion and safely navigating the technological world we live in can be difficult at times. Our Connected Family Course gives expert advice and strategies to create a connected home environment without having to disconnect from the internet.
Today’s Digital Playground
In today’s digital landscape, there is a generational divide when it comes to what is fun. While you may reminisce on the fun you had playing with your friends in an open field or playing board games with your family when you were a child, your kids might have zero interest in these types of activities. In the past twenty years, there has been a huge technological jump that has made the childhood activities that we grew up enjoying obsolete in today’s fast-paced world. Your children are used to a much more technically advanced world where entertainment comes in the form of video games, social media, and streaming services. To have a successful family night where everyone has fun, you may need to adapt and learn to engage with your kids in this new digital playground.
Here are some reasons why video games are a great way to connect with your kids:
Can be accessed at any time
Can fit into the most restrictive of work schedules
No need for planning
Do not have to worry about losing game pieces
Do not have to explain a complex set of rules
Most games are highly intuitive requiring little explanation
If you are curious about what we had to say about the other consoles and our game recommendations for them, we have GKIS Guides for the current PlayStation and Nintendo systems as well.
What is the Xbox?
The Xbox is a line of home entertainment systems/video game consoles created by Microsoft. This article focuses on the newest iterations of the console: The Xbox Series S and the Xbox Series X. Both the Xbox Series S and the Xbox Series X launched in 2020 and are currently in production. Although Microsoft doesn’t share its sales figures, estimates have been made that Microsoft has sold a combined total of about 5.8 million units of the Xbox Series X and Series S as of May 2021.[1]
The Pros and Cons of Microsoft’s Xbox consoles
Pros
The biggest advantage of the Xbox Series X/S is its focus on a home entertainment system. Microsoft created and marketed the newest versions of the Xbox as a multipurpose family entertainment hub for watching movies and television, playing games, socializing online, etc. With a huge userbase and the backing of Microsoft, the Xbox has become a fantastic selection when it comes to home video game consoles.
Additionally, the Xbox Series X and Series S are mostly backward compatible, allowing owners to play nearly all of the games that they had previously purchased for earlier consoles without having to repay for them. While many of the games are skewed more for an adult user base, there is a wide variety of games that have been targeted to kids with more appropriate content that is family-friendly. Also, the Xbox Series S is on the cheaper side when it comes to home game consoles at $299.
Cons
The Xbox Series X, which is more technologically advanced than the Xbox Series S is also nearly double the price at $499. Therefore, if your kids want the more advanced system with better graphics and framerates, and you know they do, you are going to have a potentially tough decision on your hands when deciding which of these two models to get for them.
Many parents don’t realize that kids can browse the internet through their Xbox consoles. That means they can access anything or anybody through that browser. That means you MUST program parental controls if you don’t want your child exploring inappropriate online neighborhoods.
Xbox Games to Play as a Family
When it comes to the Xbox Series X/S, there are a variety of interactive ways to connect with your family. You can play games together or use the console as a multimedia hub to stream movies and your favorite television shows through your favorite streaming services.
Here are 3 great Xbox games for you and your kids to play together:
Unravel 2
Overcooked! All You Can Eat
Rocket League
Unravel 2
Unravel 2 is a brilliant game revolving around a pair of little yarn people, referred to as Yarnies. The game is a platformer where your goal is to successfully traverse the environment without getting crushed by a boulder or eaten by a bird or fish.
This game has an ESRB rating of E, meaning it has been approved for kids of all ages. The only warning by the ESRB is that it contains mild fantasy violence as your character can get attacked by animals. There is no potential for interaction with online players within the game either.
While both Yarnies can be controlled by a single player, this game is best played with a friend. This game is great for building teamwork, bonding, and strengthening social skills. The whole point of the game is that you can achieve anything by working together. Unravel 2 is perfect for siblings bonding, parent/child bonding, and social interaction with a friend.
Overcooked! All You Can Eat
Overcooked is a game that requires cooperation as you play as restaurant workers making and serving food in the most chaotic of situations. Each environment has unique challenges that must be overcome through teamwork as you race against the clock to prepare meals. One stage has you preparing meals on a pirate ship with parts of the preparation area sliding back and forth along the ship making it difficult to reach previously reachable areas, so communication is key so that others can finish what you were doing if the playing field changes. Each environment has its own unique challenges that must be overcome by working together.
This game has an ESRB rating of E for everyone and has been approved for all ages. The only ESRB warning attached to this is that it has mild cartoon violence, which doesn’t even come close to the cartoons we used to watch, such as Tom and Jerry (there are no cats getting their teeth smashed with hammers by maniacal mice in this game).
Overcooked can be a great choice for bonding with your kids as teamwork and communication are so key to the gameplay. The sense of connection you feel as you get better and better scores is invaluable. This version of the game contains all the previous game content from the series and also has modifiers to adjust the difficulty allowing for an experience with high replay value that everyone can enjoy.
Rocket League
There is really nothing else like Rocket League out there. It is basically a combination of soccer and racecar driving. I know it sounds absurd and is hard to wrap your head around, but it is immensely gratifying. The goal is to use teamwork to hit a ball with your car into the other team’s goal.
Rocket League has an ESRB rating of E, meaning it has been approved for children of all ages. The only warning comes from some mild lyrics from the songs in the game.
The best part of this game is playing with other people. This game is great for parties and building a connection with your child as you can play on the same team and work together to score goals and win matches. Matches can be formed with up to 8 players on each team and with over 40 million players worldwide, there are plenty of people out there to play with.
Xbox Games Your Kids Can Play Alone
Video games also make great rewards for when your kid gets good grades or engages in other behaviors that you want to reward. Due to the immense number of games to choose from, it can become overwhelming when searching for a game for your child that is age-appropriate. There are plenty of games out there that are excessively violent, have strong language, and have sexual situations in them.
Here is a list of 3 games that we recommend:
Kingdom Hearts 3
Sonic Mania Plus
Immortals Fenyx Rising
Kingdom Heart 3
Is your kid obsessed with Disney characters? If the answer is yes, this game could be a great choice for your child. The kingdom hearts series revolves around a boy named Sora who teams up with Disney characters to rid the world of darkness. In Kingdom Hearts 3, you team up with Donald, Goofy, Hercules, Jack Sparrow, Elsa, and many more characters to explore different Disney worlds and go on an epic adventure of self-discovery. As you would expect from Disney, there are plenty of themes designed to promote admirable qualities like the acceptance of yourself and others.
Kingdom Hearts 3 is rated E10 for fantasy violence as you use magic and a sword, shaped like a key, to defeat the bad guys. There is no blood and gore in the game and the creatures just poof out of existence when defeated.
The best part of this game is getting to interact with your favorite Disney characters. The storyline is also fantastic and fits in well with the Disney movies that the characters are from. Like most other Disney products, the game’s story revolves around the main character’s growth as a human being and there are several positive lessons for your child to learn.
Sonic Mania Plus
Sonic Mania Plus is an action platformer that revolves around the world’s fastest hedgehog as he sets out to defeat an evil scientist, named Dr. Eggman. The game designers set out to bring back the feel of the games from the 1990s with smoother gameplay. The result is a fun game that looks and plays like the Sonic the Hedgehog games that were around when you were a kid.
Sonic Mania Plus has an ESRB rating of E for everyone. Like Overcooked, this game’s only warning comes from mild cartoon violence. “Mild cartoon violence” refers to your character jumping on robotic creatures to defeat them. The critters basically turn into bunnies and other furry animals after you jump on them as you are rescuing them, rather than harming them.
If you played the earlier Sonic games, this game could have some added benefits. You can bond with your kid over a shared love of the characters and maybe show off some of your own video game skills by playing with your kid.
Immortals Fenyx Rising
Immortals Fenyx Rising is the Xbox’s response to the success of The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild. The gameplay is very similar to that of Breath of the Wild but revolves around Greek mythology. In Immortals, you play as a human named Fenyx who must stop Typhon in his quest to get revenge on the gods of Olympus. This game is set in an extremely expansive open world that the player is free to explore as they see fit.
Immortals Fenyx Rising has been rated T for teens due to language, suggestive themes, and violence. There is some suggestive humor and dialogue between the characters which may be inappropriate for younger children. The violence in this game is against fantasy creatures and Greek gods., mostly stemming from Greek mythology. While not appropriate for younger children, this game is really fun for tweens and teens.
The game covers many of the themes in Greek mythology but ultimately revolves around becoming a strong, independent individual who realizes that one’s flaws should be accepted and celebrated rather than hidden away. It is ultimately about self-acceptance. It should also be noted that the main character’s physical characteristics and gender can be adjusted so that all kids playing this game can feel connected to the character, which is definitely a step in the right direction when it comes to inclusivity and representation.
How To Keep Your Kids Safe Playing Video Games
Research the games before buying them
Check the ESRB ratings
Play with your children or check in on them
Talk to your children and maintain a close family bond.
The most important thing that parents can do is be aware of the potential risks and promote an environment of open communication with your children. Dr. B offers a comprehensive family program for fostering this kind of communication in her Screen Safety Essentials Course. With this course, your family will learn tons of information about how to create a safer screen home environment while also connecting and having fun as a family. Armed with the right tools, you and your family can learn how to better thrive in today’s digital era.
Doctor Bs parenting guide, Screen Time in the Mean Time, is a wealth of knowledge about screen safety and keeping your kids safe from the numerous dangers inherent in the world we live in.
Thanks to CSUCI intern, Michael Watson for researching video game addiction and how gamers are solving the problem themselves.
I’m the mom psychologist who will help you GetKidsInternetSafe.
In the fast-paced world that we live in, it can feel downright impossible to get the entire family together in the same room. Trying to find an activity that everyone can enjoy together is an even more improbable task. Yet, sharing experiences as a family and spending time together is necessary for creating close family bonds and maintaining a sense of connection. Today’s GKIS article covers the pros and cons of the PlayStation 4 and the PlayStation 5, recommendations for games to play as a family, suggestions for appropriate games that your kid can play alone, and some brief tips to keep your kids safe and connected when it comes to gaming.
Yesterday versus Today
In today’s digital landscape, there is a generational divide when it comes to what is fun. While you may reminisce on the fun you had playing Chutes and Ladders and Monopoly with your family when you were a child, your memories are probably being affected by that funhouse mirror known as nostalgia. Even if those games were fun when we were kids (I am not so sure they were), your children are used to a much more technically advanced world where entertainment comes in the form of video games, social media, and streaming services. Therefore, adaptation may be needed to have a successful family night where everyone has fun.
Here are some reasons why video games are a great way to connect with your kids:
Can be accessed at any time
Can fit into the most restrictive of work schedules
No need for planning
Do not have to worry about losing game pieces
Do not have to explain a complex set of rules
Most games are highly intuitive requiring little explanation
Creating family cohesion and safely navigating the technological world we live in can be difficult at times. Our Connected Family Course gives expert advice and strategies to create a connected home environment without having to disconnect from the internet.
What is the PlayStation?
The PlayStation is a series of video game systems created by Sony. For this article, the focus will be on the PlayStation 4 and the PlayStation 5, which are the current production models. The PlayStation 4 was released in 2013 and has sold over 114.9 million units worldwide, making it one of the most successful gaming consoles ever released.[1] The PlayStation 5 is the newest of Sony’s consoles, released in 2020, and is wildly popular and highly sought after. The PlayStation 5 has already sold over 10 million units and sells for a substantial mark up in the secondary market.[2]
The Pros and Cons of the Sony PlayStation
Pros
The biggest advantage of the PlayStation is that it is the most technologically advanced series of consoles on the market. Also, the PlayStation has a huge userbase so there will always be people to play with online. The PlayStation 4 and 5 are not solely game consoles. They have brilliant interfaces allowing the user to stream movies, television, and music from different apps, making them great choices for a one-stop entertainment hub.
Additionally, the PlayStation 5 is mostly backward compatible with the PlayStation 4. So, if you buy a game on the PlayStation 4 and later upgrade to the PlayStation 5, you can play most of your PlayStation 4 games on the new console. With a gigantic catalog of games, many of the games are family-friendly.
Cons
The PlayStation 5 is in such high demand that it is nearly impossible to get your hands on one. While you may be able to find some models of the PlayStation 4 for under $300, the retail price of the PlayStation 5 is close to $1000. But they sell for much more on the secondary market due to the high demand. Due to Covid, there is a huge supply shortage making these things harder to get than a Tickle Me Elmo back in the day.
Many parents don’t realize that kids can browse the internet through their PlayStation consoles. That means they can access anything or anybody through that browser. That means you MUST program parental controls if you don’t want your child exploring inappropriate online neighborhoods.
PlayStation Games to Play as a Family
With the PlayStation, there are a variety of interactive ways to connect with your family. You can play games together or use the console as a multimedia hub to stream a movie through your favorite streaming service.
Here are 4 fantastic PlayStation games for you and your kids to play together:
Just Dance 2021
Rock Band 4
Little Big Planet 3
Just Dance 2021
Just Dance is a motion-based rhythm game, which is a fancy way of saying that you dance to the beat of the music and try to perform choreographed moves. This game is a brilliant choice as it is a great way to exercise as a family. There are plenty of songs to choose from ranging from Lady Gaga to Billie Eilish. Each song has its own choreography and poses to learn as well.
This game has an ESRB rating of “E10,” meaning it has been approved for everyone ages 10 and up. The reason for the 10 and up age rating is that some of the songs have crude lyrics, though it is no worse than anything that they will hear on the radio. If you don’t want your children to hear these songs, there is a “kids mode” with songs that are more tailored for young children, like “You’ve Got a Friend in Me” from Toy Story 3.
This game is perfect for slumber parties and family reunions, as well as for any other occasions where you or your kids want to be active. We think this game is well designed, and the controls are intuitive making it a fun way to exercise and get your groove on.
Rock Band 4
Have you ever wanted to start a family band or be the Partridge Family? Rock Band is a game where you physically interact with video game controller versions of instruments. Up to 4 people can play at once, as there are drums, bass, guitar, and a microphone to choose from. The cool thing about this game is that it is very interactive and some of the skills learned from playing this game can be carried over to real-life when it comes to the drums and vocals. Like the previous game on the list, Rock Band 4 is also a great way to get some exercise in.
This game has an ESRB rating of T for Teen due to some of the song lyrics. Yet, like Just Dance 2021, there is nothing in this game that your kids won’t hear on the radio. Also, you can customize which songs come up in the playlist to avoid any songs that you find problematic.
Rock Band can be a great choice for parties and sleepovers as well. Kids can take turns on the different instruments and switch out after each song. It is also fun to be a spectator watching others play as well, so kids won’t get too frustrated waiting for their turn.
Little Big Planet 3
Little Big Planet 3 is an action platformer at its core. Up to 4 players can work together to take on each stage as an obnoxiously cute sack person. Browse “Little Big Planet images” to see what the cute little dude looks like. The game is massive and there are an immense number of levels to play through. On top of that, players can create their own levels and share them with other players. Having a huge creative community has made the replay value for this game limitless as players have created a ridiculous number of unique experiences.
Little Big Planet 3 has an ESRB rating of E, meaning it has been approved for children of all ages. This game also allows your children to utilize their creativity in a way that they will not get anywhere else. You and your kids can take the role of game creators and make your own levels and experiences to play, share, and show off to your friends and family.
PlayStation Games Your Kids Can Play Alone
Video games make great rewards for when your kid does something wonderful. There are an immense number of games to choose from. However, it can be overwhelming to find a game for your child that is age-appropriate. There are plenty of games out there that are excessively violent, have strong language, and have sexual situations in them.
Here is a list of 3 games that we recommend as rewards for your child:
Tearaway Unfolded
Rayman Legends
Ratchet & Clank
Tearaway Unfolded
Imagine this game scene, your face is the sun observing and interacting with a paper doll character. You explore vast paper environments and manipulate objects to solve puzzles to help your paper character throughout the adventure. This game design allows for a level of empathy and emotion rarely seen in video games, as the characters directly interact with you.
Tearaway Unfolded is rated E for everyone and has been deemed acceptable for all ages. There is little in this creative game that could offend or be seen in a negative light.
The most brilliant part of this game is the bonus stuff that allows the player to interact with the characters in the real world. There are templates that can be printed out and constructed so that your kid can have a physical version of his character to play with. The creativity and uniqueness involved in this experience of bringing the game characters to life and interacting with them offers a shared activity between you and your kid that is unlike any other and utterly priceless.
Rayman Legends
Here at GKIS, we think that the music levels in Rayman Legends are some of the most wonderful levels ever made in the history of video games. Rayman Legends is undoubtedly one of the greatest platformers ever made. The controls are extremely smooth, and the gameplay is spotless.
In this game, you play as the titular character and make your way through the many levels and challenges throughout the game. The game has a very playful art style and is very satisfying to play.
This game has an ESRB rating of E10 for everyone age 10 and up due to cartoon violence and comic mischief. The violence is very mild when compared to other games, and there is no blood or guts. For a single-player game, it has an incredible amount of replay value due to the vast number of things to do in its virtual world.
Ratchet & Clank
Ratchet & Clank is an action-adventure game where the main characters are a “lombax” and his robot companion. In the game Ratchet and Clank, the goal is to navigate the world with the fox/human hybrid character and the robot to find new weapons and gadgets that will help to save the universe.
Ratchet & Clank has been rated E10 (for everyone 10 and up) due to the violence against animated monsters. Yet, the weapons used in the game are ridiculous and outlandish. There is little chance that your kid is going to get their hands on a “groovinator” or a “sheepinator” in real life unless they’re future genius inventors.
How To Keep Your Kids Safe Playing Video Games
Research the games before buying them
Check the ESRB ratings
Play with your children or check in on them
Talk to your children and maintain a close family bond.
To stay in the know about how to keep your kids and teens safe online, check out our weekly parenting and family coaching videos provided through the Screen Safety Essentials Course. This comprehensive program will help families to become informed by providing you with the tools and expertise to keep your family connected and safe while engaging online.
Doctor B’s parenting guide, Screen Time in the Mean Time, is a wealth of knowledge about screen safety and keeping your kids safe from the numerous dangers inherent in the world we live in.
Thanks to CSUCI intern, Michael Watson for researching family-friendly games for the PlayStation 4 and 5.
I’m the mom psychologist who will help you GetKidsInternetSafe.
Spending time together and sharing experiences is extremely important when it comes to developing close family bonds and a sense of connectedness. While many of us think of playing board and card games to develop connectedness, many children would disagree. These days, they would generally rather play video games than spend time with their parents. While we at GKIS recommend that real-world activities should be prioritized, video games can be utilized both as a reward and a convenient way of connecting with your child. You don’t have to wait for connection until you’ve found time to plan a lavish camping trip. For every day, a video game could be just what Dr. B ordered. Today’s GKIS article covers the pros and cons of the Nintendo Switch, recommendations for games to play as a family, suggestions for appropriate games that your kid can play alone and unsupervised, and some brief tips to keep your kids safe and connected when it comes to gaming.
What is the Nintendo Switch?
The Nintendo Switch is a video game system that was launched in 2017. The Switch is unique in that it is considered a hybrid system where the console itself can work as a tablet and the controllers can attach to the sides to be used as a portable game system. It is extremely popular and has sold over 89 million consoles worldwide.[1]
The Pros and Cons of the Nintendo Switch
Pros
The biggest advantage of the Nintendo Switch is its portability. Unlike the PlayStation and Xbox consoles, the Switch can be taken on long trips and utilized just about anywhere. Also, Nintendo heavily markets its console to families and children. Many of the games are family-friendly, perfect for family game night or for your children to play by themselves. Another big bonus is the price-point. At $299, which is at the low end for current generation consoles. In comparison, new PlayStation and Xbox consoles sell for about $1000.
Cons
The Nintendo Switch is not as technologically advanced as the current PlayStation or Xbox consoles. The graphics are not as jaw-droppingly realistic and the processing speed is not as quick. Yet, the differences are not so great that they will affect the overall gaming experience.
Nintendo Switch Games to Play as a Family
Playing video games as a family could be a great, interactive way to connect with your children. The Connected Family Course gives expert advice and strategies to create a connected home environment without having to disconnect from the internet. Here are 3 fantastic choices for Nintendo Switch multiplayer games.
Mario Kart 8 Deluxe
Super Mario Party
Super Smash Brothers Ultimate
Mario Kart 8 Deluxe
Mario Kart is an iconic series that has been around since the early 1990s, and they have not changed the formula that much. The reason that they haven’t changed the formula is because it works! It is ridiculously fun to race against your family and friends as your favorite Nintendo characters. Plus, there is a luck-based element to the game that evens out the playing field for younger less experienced players. It doesn’t matter how good someone is if they can get knocked out of first place when someone else gets the perfect power-up.
This game has an ESRB rating of “E.” meaning it has been approved for all age groups or “everyone.” Up to 4 players can play on a single Nintendo Switch. But if you have two consoles, there can be a total of 8 players at once. This is perfect for slumber parties, holidays, and other occasions where you might have a bunch of kids at home. We think this game is well designed, and the controls are intuitive making it just as fun for the parents as it is for the kids.
Super Mario Party
Super Mario Party is the ultimate family party game. Four people can play Super Mario Party on a single Nintendo Switch console. The great thing about Super Mario Party is the diversity of gameplay and modes of play. Players can play board games consisting of mini-games, which are short games that usually last under a minute. There is a total of 80 minigames that are chosen at random as characters move around the board. Because each minigame is short, kids don’t get bored easily.
On Super Mario Party, everyone competes against each other, as teams, or you can all play on the same team against the computer. Super Mario Party has an ESRB rating of E so it has been deemed appropriate for children of all age groups. This game is also great for parties and family game nights.
Super Smash Brothers Ultimate
Super Smash Brothers Ultimate can get extremely competitive, but we think it is crazy fun to play together. This game is a fighting game where everyone picks their favorite Nintendo character from a large selection of choices. The point of the game is to knock out the other players’ characters. The best part is that each character has a unique set of moves and plays completely differently than the others, so strategies for winning are almost endless.
Super Smash Brothers Ultimate has an ESRB rating of E10, so it has been approved for everyone ages 10 and up. It may not be appropriate for young children due to the cartoonish violence. As far as fighting games go, this is one of the most family-friendly options out there.
Nintendo Switch Games Your Kids Can Play Alone
There are many Nintendo Switch games to choose from. However, many have excessive violence, sexual themes, drugs, and other material that you don’t want your kids to be exposed to. If you are looking for a game for a younger child, it can be difficult to find something age-appropriate. Here are 3 games to kids can play on their own.
Luigi’s Mansion
The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild
Splatoon 2
Luigi’s Mansion
Luigi’s Mansion is a fantastic single-player game that is great for all age groups and has an ESRB rating of E for Everyone. In Luigi’s Mansion, you wander around a haunted hotel sucking up goofy ghosts with a vacuum cleaner. Although there are ghosts, we don’t think they are very scary. It has a story mode made for a single player but could be played by two players (with one player playing as Luigi’s doppelganger, Gooigi). There are other online multiplayer modes to play as well.
The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild
We at GKIS think Breath of the Wild is one of the best single-player Nintendo Switch games out there. In this game, your character explores an expansive and elaborately detailed world filled with almost never-ending things to do and places to explore.
This game has an ESRB rating of E10 for everyone age 10 and up due to the violence against animated monsters. The violence is very mild when compared to other games, and there is no blood or guts. For a single-player game, it has an incredible amount of replay value due to the vast number of things to do in its virtual world.
Splatoon 2
Splatoon is Nintendo’s answer to shooter-type games where none of the characters get hurt. In Splatoon 2, you play as human/squid hybrid characters and run around spraying each other with ink. Splatoon is probably the safest series of games to choose from if your kids are trying to get you to buy them a shooter.
Splatoon 2 has been rated E10 (for everyone 10 and up) due to cartoon violence, even though you are basically hitting each other’s squid characters with ink bombs, paint guns, and paint rollers. As a warning, even though Splatoon has taken out the blood and guts it still involves cartoonish gunplay. Though it is a single-player game, up to 10 players can play at the same time in one location. The downside is that each player needs their own Nintendo Switch console to play together, which would be expensive.
How To Keep Your Kids Safe Playing Video Games
Research the games before buying them
Check the ESRB ratings
Play with your children or check in on them
Talk to your children and maintain a close family bond.
To stay in the know about how to keep your kids and teens safe online, check out the Screen Safety Essentials Course. Through weekly coaching videos and other valuable resources, this program will keep you in the loop with ways to keep your family connected and safe while engaging with the internet, social media, video games, and more. The goal of this course is to provide families with the knowledge and tools to help prevent digital injury before it occurs.
Thanks to CSUCI intern, Michael Watson for researching family-friendly games for the Nintendo Switch.
I’m the mom psychologist who will help you GetKidsInternetSafe.
Among Us is an app/video game that has seen a rising fan base since its release. It is popular with gamers of all ages. Its cutesy characters and simple gameplay make it appealing to even the youngest children. To get your home set up for cooperation and screen safety, check out Dr. Bennett’s Screen Safety Essentials Course which features weekly parent and family coaching videos in addition to several other valuable resources for promoting family connectedness and preventing digital injury! In today’s GKIS Sensible Guide, you will be learning all the information you need to make an informed decision on if this game is appropriate for your child.
How long has Among Us been around, and how popular is it?
Among Us was released by a small development company called InnerSloth LLC in June 2018. According to Steam, the number of users began to rise when COVID lockdowns started. This peaked around October 2020 with an average number of 170,000 players.[1] It should be noted that this does not include players on Apple or Android devices. The true player count is likely much higher.
Among Us is available for purchase on Steam for under $5. On mobile devices, Among Us is a free download. However, users on mobile devices will be shown ads between games and will have their data collected. To stop this, the user is allowed to purchase an ad-free version of the app. This prevents any ads from playing and their data from being collected by the app.
Getting Started on Among Us
To play Among Us, the player must confirm their age is over 13. This is done with a simple birthdate selection and can be easily bypassed by children younger than 13. Among Us can be downloaded on Steam, along with the Apple app store and the Google Play store.
Before letting your child play Among Us or games like it, we recommend the Connected Family Course to help inform you and your child about the dangers of screen use. It also provides a large number of tips to help your child stay safe online.
Features of Among Us
Basic Gameplay
During the game, groups of 4 to 10 play together. One to three of those players are selected as the imposters, the rest of the players are crewmates.
Crewmates will have a certain number of tasks to complete as a group around the map. These tasks are usually simply mini-games such as connecting wires or swiping a keycard. This group wins when either all of the imposters have been eliminated through voting, or all of the tasks are completed.
Imposters have a much simpler task. They want to eliminate the crewmembers until the number of imposters is equal to the number of crewmembers. If this happens the imposters win. Imposters have extra abilities such as using vents to teleport around the map. Imposters always know who the other imposters are.
When a dead body is reported or the emergency button is pressed a meeting is called. During this meeting, all players discuss who they think the imposters are. This discussion may be over a text chat or a voice chat. At the end of the meeting, they have the option to vote off a player. They may skip voting if they aren’t confident. Once a player is voted off, it is revealed if they were a crewmember or an imposter.
Cosmetics
A various number of cosmetics are available for direct purchase for Among Us. They can range in price from one dollar to up to five dollars. While not a loot box, some people do worry that microtransactions like this can lead your child to develop a gambling addiction. For more information on this, please visit our article on gambling in gaming.
Benefits of Among Us
There are numerous benefits of playing Among Us. It is a fun way for friends to interact or to meet new friends online. Its simple gameplay allows for everyone to enjoy it, not just dedicated gamers. Plus, the game is easily accessible because it’s extremely inexpensive or even free. Finally, it teaches players to detect deception from other people. This can be considered a good life skill.
Risks of Among Us
There are a few big risks that come with children playing Among Us. The first is that it does expose the child to violence. While it is cartoon-like, there are some graphic deaths including stabbing, snapping necks, and eating heads off. It also teaches children to lie. To be a successful imposter, one has to lie and plant deception in the crewmates’ heads. This might lead the child to lie in other aspects of their life, particularly younger children. Another risk for anyone playing the game is they may be exposed to cyberbullying by others. Other players may be muted to prevent this, but it is still a risk of playing an online game. Another big risk is talking and interacting with strangers. Though it hasn’t been reported, predators could potentially use Among Us to find victims and groom them into talking outside of the game or offline.
Due to the risk potential for child players, GKIS rates Among Us as a yellow-light app due to the cartoon violence and potential exposure to cyberbullying. This means that children under the age of 13 are not recommended to play this game.
If your child wants to play Among Us, GKIS recommends that you:
Add it to your free GKIS Connected Family Agreement (Available if you enter your email on our GKIS home page.)
Discuss the risks of chatting with strangers with your child. For tips and advice on how to do this, check out our Connected Family Course.
Consider joining our Screen Safety Essentials Course to gain access to weekly parenting and family coaching videos that provide information, extra support, and exclusive tips for helping your child stay internet safe.
Thanks to CSUCI intern Dakota Byrne for researching Among Us and co-authoring this article.
I’m the mom psychologist who will help you GetKidsInternetSafe.
Onward to More Awesome Parenting,
Tracy S. Bennett, Ph.D.
Mom, Clinical Psychologist, CSUCI Adjunct Faculty
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