Table of Contents

Can You Put Parental Controls on Steam? A Comprehensive Guide

Quick answer

This page answers Can you put parental controls on Steam? quickly.

Fast answer first. Then use the tabs or video for more detail.

Watch the video explanation below for a faster overview.
Game mechanics may change with updates or patches.
Use this block to get the short answer without scrolling the whole page.

Read the FAQ section if the article has one.
Use the table of contents to jump straight to the detailed section you need.
Watch the video first, then skim the article for specifics.

▶

Absolutely, you can put parental controls on Steam. Valve, the company behind Steam, understands the importance of providing tools for parents to manage their children’s access to content and features. These controls are primarily implemented through Steam Family View, a feature designed to restrict access to certain games, the Steam Store, the Community, Friends content, and other functionalities, all protected by a secret PIN. This article delves deep into how to effectively use these controls, along with additional measures you can take to ensure a safe and appropriate gaming experience for your child on Steam.

Understanding Steam’s Parental Control Features

Steam offers a robust set of tools aimed at parents who wish to curate their child’s experience on the platform. The core feature, Family View, is your primary point of control. Let’s break down how it works and the other options available:

Setting Up Family View

The Family View feature acts as a digital lock on various aspects of Steam. When activated, it requires a PIN to access the restricted areas. Here’s how to set it up:

Login: Log in to Steam with the account your child will be using.
Settings: Click “Steam” in the top-left corner of the Steam client and select “Settings.”
Family Tab: In the Settings window, navigate to the “Family” tab on the left.
Family View Button: Click the “Family View” button to start the setup wizard.
Choose Content: The wizard will guide you through selecting which content and features you want to restrict, such as the Store, Library, Community, and Friends list.
Select Games: You can choose specific games that are allowed within Family View. Any game not specifically selected will require the PIN to launch.
Set a PIN: Create a secure PIN that only you know. This PIN will be required to exit Family View and access the restricted content.
Email Recovery: Provide an email address for PIN recovery in case you forget it.

Restricting Access to the Steam Store and Community

Beyond Family View, you can further refine content access by adjusting your account preferences. This is particularly useful for hiding mature content within the Steam Store and Community pages:

Profile Preferences: Click on your profile name in the upper-right corner and select “Preferences”.
Mature Content Filtering: Scroll down to the “Mature Content Filtering” section.
Uncheck Boxes: Uncheck the boxes next to the types of content you want to hide, such as games with frequent violence or adult themes.
Save Changes: Ensure you save the changes to apply the filters.

Privacy Settings: A Shield for Your Child’s Activity

Steam’s privacy settings are an often overlooked but crucial aspect of parental controls. They allow you to control who can see your child’s activity on the platform:

Edit Profile: Go to your profile and click “Edit Profile”.
Privacy Settings: Select “Privacy Settings” on the left-hand side.
Game Details: Set “Game Details” to “Private.” This prevents others from seeing what games your child owns and plays.
Profile Visibility: Consider setting “My Profile,” “Friends List,” and “Inventory” to “Private” as well, depending on your comfort level.

Important Considerations and Best Practices

Setting up parental controls is just the first step. To ensure a truly safe environment, consider these additional points:

Communication is Key: Talk to your child about online safety, responsible gaming, and the types of content that are appropriate.
Regularly Review Settings: Steam’s interface and available games are constantly evolving. Regularly review your Family View settings and privacy preferences to ensure they still meet your needs.
Monitor Game Purchases: Family View can prevent unauthorized purchases, but it’s still wise to keep an eye on transactions related to the account.
Age Ratings: Pay attention to age ratings (such as ESRB ratings) when considering which games are suitable for your child. While not foolproof, they provide a general guideline.
Lead by Example: Model responsible gaming habits yourself. Show your child that gaming can be a healthy and balanced part of life.
Account Sharing: Be mindful of account sharing. Steam’s user agreement states that users need to be 13 or older to make an account. If your child is under 13, consider carefully whether they should be using Steam at all, even with parental controls.
Third-Party Tools: While Steam offers its own controls, some parents may find additional value in third-party parental control software that offers broader internet filtering and monitoring capabilities.

Why Parental Controls on Steam Matter

In today’s digital age, kids are exposed to online content at a very young age. With a vast library of games, Steam can be a source of great entertainment and even educational opportunities. However, it’s also crucial to ensure that they are protected from inappropriate content, online predators, and excessive screen time. Parental controls provide the means to do just that, giving parents peace of mind while allowing their children to explore the world of gaming safely. The Games Learning Society at GamesLearningSociety.org offers great resources for educational games as well.

FAQs: All You Need to Know About Steam Parental Controls

Here are some of the most frequently asked questions about parental controls on Steam:

1. What is Steam Family View?

Steam Family View is a parental control feature that allows you to restrict access to certain games and features within Steam, requiring a PIN to bypass the restrictions.

2. How do I set up Steam Family View?

You can set up Family View through the Steam settings, under the “Family” tab. The setup wizard will guide you through the process of selecting restricted content and setting a PIN.

3. Can I restrict access to the Steam Store with Family View?

Yes, Family View allows you to restrict access to the Steam Store, preventing your child from making unauthorized purchases or browsing mature content.

4. How do I hide adult content in the Steam Store?

You can hide adult content by going to your profile Preferences and unchecking the boxes under “Mature Content Filtering.”

5. Is Steam OK for a 9-year-old?

Steam’s user agreement states that users need to be 13 or older to create an account. However, with proper parental controls and monitoring, some age-appropriate games may be suitable for younger children.

6. How do I make my Steam profile private?

You can make your profile private by going to “Edit Profile” then “Privacy Settings” and setting your profile, game details, and friends list to “Private.”

7. Can I hide specific games from my friends on Steam?

Yes, you can hide individual games by right-clicking on the game in your library, selecting “Manage,” and then “Hide this game.”

8. What are the Family Sharing restrictions on Steam?

A Steam account may authorize Family Library Sharing on up to 5 accounts and on up to 10 devices in a 90-day period.

9. How do I filter games by age on Steam?

Steam doesn’t have specific age-based filters, but you can use genre and tag filters to find age-appropriate games, as well as rely on ESRB ratings. The Family View is a must-use option.

10. Can I filter out Early Access games on Steam?

Yes, you can filter out Early Access games in your Discovery Queue and New Release Queue settings.

11. How do I view a private Steam profile?

You cannot view a private Steam profile without the owner’s permission.

12. Can people under 13 use Steam?

Steam’s user agreement requires users to be 13 or older. Younger children may use an adult’s account, but this is not encouraged without careful parental monitoring.

13. What does Steam do for kids?

Steam offers a wide range of games, including educational titles, that can be entertaining and educational for children, provided appropriate parental controls are in place.

14. Does Steam check age?

Steam asks for a date of birth during account creation, but this is not always strictly verified. It’s crucial for parents to monitor their child’s account.

15. What is Steam Family Mode?

Steam Family Mode (Family View) allows family members to share games while keeping their accounts separate, with parental controls enabled.

By implementing these parental controls and staying actively involved in your child’s gaming experience, you can help ensure that their time on Steam is safe, enjoyable, and enriching.