This is a product loan collaboration
Both Roo and Tigger love to play computer games, it is not something that we shy away from. Both Mr Boo and I enjoy playing games too so it was inevitable that they would follow in our footsteps. It also means that we can enjoy family gaming sessions too – although we are all a little too competitive.
However, if either Roo or Tigger encounter an issue whilst they are playing, an update needs installing etc. then they will always shout for Dad. Now this is a little playing on my part as I like to tell them that I don’t know anything about how they work etc. so they should ask Dad. I know more than I let on, but why add another thing on the list of things that they will badger me about?? If they were wise they would work out that I can play games etc, so why wouldn’t I know how to do updates etc. But, shhh don’t let them know I know more than I let on!
An introduction to Xbox family settings
Whilst I might know how to update their consoles, purchase downloads and switch it on/off if it is throwing a hissy fit. I’ll be honest I had no idea about the wealth of other information and settings available within an Xbox. I was recently invited down to London to find out all about the Xbox family settings.
At Xbox, we are committed to making gaming a fun, inclusive and safe experience for everyone.
To achieve this, family settings on the Xbox empower parents and caregivers to set screen time limits, filter content by the age of their child, set purchase limits, and more to ensure every member of the family enjoys rewarding and positive gaming.
Xbox.com/family
What are Xbox family settings?
Easy-to-use, flexible features built into your Xbox to give parents peace of mind, including:
Screen time management
Parents can set time limits and view activity reports to keep on top of their child’s activity. Limits can be set for each day of the week, meaning parents can restrict gaming on school nights or allow more time over the weekend.
Purchase limits
Parents can choose to approve children’s purchases before they are made, to receive alerts after each purchase, or to set up an allowance to limit purchases children can make on their own.
Fun fact: Tigger once managed to spend £125 via his Playstation attempting to purchase an in-game add-on. So you can imagine how welcome this setting is for us!
Content filters
Parents can filter or allow games, apps and websites based on the age of their children to ensure they are interacting with age-appropriate content. Children can also request access to content which can then approve or decline.
Privacy
Parents can select what personal information others can see and who is permitted to engage with their kids. This is especially valuable with the increasing popularity of multiplayer games where users can interact with other players around the world.
Thoughts on the xbox family settings
Having seen both a demonstration and been able to put into practice the family settings, there very easy to customise depending on your family. With the emphasis being on ‘your family’. Every parent, every family is different. Some will wish to have stricter restrictions on screen time, purchasing and content. Whereas others will tailor each profile for their children depending the level of maturity and responsibility.
With technology a large part of our lives, parents need to get on board with the request to access technology and gaming platforms etc. It is great to see that brands such as Xbox are doing what they can to aid parents along the path of balance between access, content and any purchases.
Additional articles on Xbox family settings
- DIY Daddy – Family settings with Xbox to stay safe online
- Dad Blog UK – A Guide to Xbox family settings
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