Can 13 Year Olds Play CS:GO? Perspectives from a Gamer Parent
As an avid FPS gamer and dad to a 13-year-old son, I often get asked my opinion about mature-rated games like Counter-Strike: Global Offensive (CS:GO). This ultra popular first-person shooter is intense. The realistic graphics and online battles attract over 500,000 players every month. But with an M rating for blood, violence, and multiplayer interactions, is it suitable for early teens?
As parents, we all grapple with these decisions based on our child’s maturity and our family values. Rather than issue a verdict on CS:GO specifically, I’d like to share some perspectives that help us make healthy gaming choices.
Set Limits to Prioritize Balance
I’ve gamed all my life and see many benefits, from fun with friends to developing strategy skills. But as a parent, I’m careful gaming doesn’t dominate my son’s schedule. Leading experts suggest no more than 1-2 hours of recreational screen time per day for teens.
We actively protect time for sleeping, exercise, homework and family. This helps ensure healthy childhood development across all fronts – physical, mental, social, and emotional. As much as my son may protest, maintaining balance is key!
Mitigate Online Safety Risks
Modern multiplayer games open kids to online relationships with strangers, which carries certain risks. While disabling chat features helps, supervision remains important.
As a member of the gaming community myself, I’m sorry to say that sexism, racism and general toxicity still exist. As parents, we must help teens navigate this landscape and set social media privacy settings. Open communication and guidance on reporting mechanisms can go a long way.
Respect ESBR Age Ratings…to a Point
The entertainment industry self-regulates game content and enforcement lies with retailers. While these ratings provide a useful guideline, every child matures differently.
A recent survey showed 23% of 13-year-olds play M rated games with their parent’s permission.** While CS:GO‘s intensity may be too much for some kids, others have the sensibility to handle it when properly supervised.
As parents, you know your child best. While respecting age ratings, don‘t neglect your own judgment.
Focus on Positives, Not Just Risk Mitigation
It’s natural to focus on risks when assessing mature game content. But with active parenting, online multiplayer games can provide social connection, community and Hours spent cooperating with friends on missions in games like CS:GO build trust and teamwork skills.
Rather than issue narrow verdicts on specific games, I encourage parents to have open and honest conversations about gaming’s pros and cons. Teens will be more receptive when you show genuine interest in their hobbies, not just strict policing.
Empower Kids With Information
Instead of dictating exactly which games are allowed or not allowed, equip teens to make smart media choices for themselves. Discuss your family values early and often. Ask them questions to develop self-reflection on gaming‘s role in their life – is it complementary or starting to crowd out other interests? Does it ever make them angry or frustrated?
While parental controls have their place, teaching critical thinking and self-regulation helps kids build lifelong skills. And you just might learn something from them along the way!
So in the end, is CS:GO suitable for your 13-year-old? As with any complex issue, there are persuasive cases on both sides. Have an open discussion as a family, weigh the nuances, and then decide what feels right for you. Establishing two-way trust empowers healthy moderation based on your unique situation.
**Source: https://www.esrb.org/research/esrb-psa-gaming-study/
