As concerns grow over how online games may influence the behaviour of children, theSun spoke to several youngsters about how their parents monitor their screen time.
PETALING JAYA: As concerns grow over how online games may influence the behaviour of children, theSun spoke to several youngsters about how their parents monitor their screen time and set rules for gaming at home.
A 13-year-old student from Petaling Jaya said he spends about one to two hours playing games each day, mostly after finishing his homework.
He said he prefers playing online with friends rather than alone and follows limits set by his parents.
“My parents tell me not to play for too long, especially on school days.
If I play too long, my parents will ask me to stop and sometimes, they take my phone or console away for a while.”
He said his parents do not usually watch or play games with him but keep track of what he plays.
“They don’t allow me to play violent or scary games because they think those games are not good for me,” he said, adding that he also enjoys watching movies and doing sports activities with his family and friends.
An 11-year-old girl from Ipoh theSun spoke to said her parents allow her to play games only on weekends.
“I can play games for two hours on Saturdays and Sundays.
On school days, my mum doesn’t let me use the phone, except for homework.”
She said she mostly enjoys puzzle and cooking games and occasionally, she plays Roblox with her cousins as a way to stay connected and have fun together.
“My mum tells me not to chat with strangers in games, so I only play with people I know.
She will sometimes sit next to me to see what I’m playing.
If the game looks too violent, she’ll tell me to delete it,” she said, adding that her parents often remind her to balance screen time with other activities.
When she is not using her phone, she spends time outdoors.
“I like cycling with my friends in the evening.
Playing games is fun, but I know I have to stop when my parents ask me to,” she said.
