{"id":369473,"date":"2025-07-10T02:32:59","date_gmt":"2025-07-10T02:32:59","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.gameslearningsociety.org\/wiki\/?p=369473"},"modified":"2025-07-10T02:32:59","modified_gmt":"2025-07-10T02:32:59","slug":"how-much-time-should-a-9-year-old-play-video-games","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.gameslearningsociety.org\/wiki\/how-much-time-should-a-9-year-old-play-video-games\/","title":{"rendered":"How much time should a 9 year old play video games?"},"content":{"rendered":"<div id=\"ez-toc-container\" class=\"ez-toc-v2_0_67_1 counter-hierarchy ez-toc-counter ez-toc-grey ez-toc-container-direction\">\n<div class=\"ez-toc-title-container\">\n<p class=\"ez-toc-title \" >Table of Contents<\/p>\n<span class=\"ez-toc-title-toggle\"><a href=\"#\" class=\"ez-toc-pull-right ez-toc-btn ez-toc-btn-xs ez-toc-btn-default ez-toc-toggle\" aria-label=\"Toggle Table of Content\"><span class=\"ez-toc-js-icon-con\"><span class=\"\"><span class=\"eztoc-hide\" style=\"display:none;\">Toggle<\/span><span class=\"ez-toc-icon-toggle-span\"><svg style=\"fill: #999;color:#999\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" class=\"list-377408\" width=\"20px\" height=\"20px\" viewBox=\"0 0 24 24\" fill=\"none\"><path d=\"M6 6H4v2h2V6zm14 0H8v2h12V6zM4 11h2v2H4v-2zm16 0H8v2h12v-2zM4 16h2v2H4v-2zm16 0H8v2h12v-2z\" fill=\"currentColor\"><\/path><\/svg><svg style=\"fill: #999;color:#999\" class=\"arrow-unsorted-368013\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" width=\"10px\" height=\"10px\" viewBox=\"0 0 24 24\" version=\"1.2\" baseProfile=\"tiny\"><path d=\"M18.2 9.3l-6.2-6.3-6.2 6.3c-.2.2-.3.4-.3.7s.1.5.3.7c.2.2.4.3.7.3h11c.3 0 .5-.1.7-.3.2-.2.3-.5.3-.7s-.1-.5-.3-.7zM5.8 14.7l6.2 6.3 6.2-6.3c.2-.2.3-.5.3-.7s-.1-.5-.3-.7c-.2-.2-.4-.3-.7-.3h-11c-.3 0-.5.1-.7.3-.2.2-.3.5-.3.7s.1.5.3.7z\"\/><\/svg><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/a><\/span><\/div>\n<nav><ul class='ez-toc-list ez-toc-list-level-1 ' ><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-1'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-1\" href=\"https:\/\/www.gameslearningsociety.org\/wiki\/how-much-time-should-a-9-year-old-play-video-games\/#Navigating_the_Pixelated_Playground_How_Much_Video_Game_Time_is_Right_for_Your_9-Year-Old\" title=\"Navigating the Pixelated Playground: How Much Video Game Time is Right for Your 9-Year-Old?\">Navigating the Pixelated Playground: How Much Video Game Time is Right for Your 9-Year-Old?<\/a><ul class='ez-toc-list-level-2' ><li class='ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-2\" href=\"https:\/\/www.gameslearningsociety.org\/wiki\/how-much-time-should-a-9-year-old-play-video-games\/#The_Balancing_Act_Benefits_vs_Risks\" title=\"The Balancing Act: Benefits vs. Risks\">The Balancing Act: Benefits vs. Risks<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-3\" href=\"https:\/\/www.gameslearningsociety.org\/wiki\/how-much-time-should-a-9-year-old-play-video-games\/#Quality_Over_Quantity_Not_All_Games_Are_Created_Equal\" title=\"Quality Over Quantity: Not All Games Are Created Equal\">Quality Over Quantity: Not All Games Are Created Equal<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-4\" href=\"https:\/\/www.gameslearningsociety.org\/wiki\/how-much-time-should-a-9-year-old-play-video-games\/#Creating_a_Family_Media_Plan\" title=\"Creating a Family Media Plan\">Creating a Family Media Plan<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-5\" href=\"https:\/\/www.gameslearningsociety.org\/wiki\/how-much-time-should-a-9-year-old-play-video-games\/#Monitoring_and_Adapting_A_Flexible_Approach\" title=\"Monitoring and Adapting: A Flexible Approach\">Monitoring and Adapting: A Flexible Approach<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-6\" href=\"https:\/\/www.gameslearningsociety.org\/wiki\/how-much-time-should-a-9-year-old-play-video-games\/#Frequently_Asked_Questions_FAQs_About_Video_Games_and_9-Year-Olds\" title=\"Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About Video Games and 9-Year-Olds\">Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About Video Games and 9-Year-Olds<\/a><ul class='ez-toc-list-level-3' ><li class='ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-7\" href=\"https:\/\/www.gameslearningsociety.org\/wiki\/how-much-time-should-a-9-year-old-play-video-games\/#1_My_child_gets_angry_when_I_limit_their_game_time_How_can_I_handle_this\" title=\"1. My child gets angry when I limit their game time. How can I handle this?\">1. My child gets angry when I limit their game time. How can I handle this?<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-8\" href=\"https:\/\/www.gameslearningsociety.org\/wiki\/how-much-time-should-a-9-year-old-play-video-games\/#2_Can_video_games_really_improve_my_childs_cognitive_skills\" title=\"2. Can video games really improve my child&#8217;s cognitive skills?\">2. Can video games really improve my child&#8217;s cognitive skills?<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-9\" href=\"https:\/\/www.gameslearningsociety.org\/wiki\/how-much-time-should-a-9-year-old-play-video-games\/#3_What_are_the_signs_that_my_child_is_spending_too_much_time_gaming\" title=\"3. What are the signs that my child is spending too much time gaming?\">3. What are the signs that my child is spending too much time gaming?<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-10\" href=\"https:\/\/www.gameslearningsociety.org\/wiki\/how-much-time-should-a-9-year-old-play-video-games\/#4_How_can_I_encourage_my_child_to_be_more_physically_active\" title=\"4. How can I encourage my child to be more physically active?\">4. How can I encourage my child to be more physically active?<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-11\" href=\"https:\/\/www.gameslearningsociety.org\/wiki\/how-much-time-should-a-9-year-old-play-video-games\/#5_Are_violent_video_games_harmful_to_children\" title=\"5. Are violent video games harmful to children?\">5. Are violent video games harmful to children?<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-12\" href=\"https:\/\/www.gameslearningsociety.org\/wiki\/how-much-time-should-a-9-year-old-play-video-games\/#6_Should_I_allow_my_child_to_play_online_games_with_strangers\" title=\"6. Should I allow my child to play online games with strangers?\">6. Should I allow my child to play online games with strangers?<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-13\" href=\"https:\/\/www.gameslearningsociety.org\/wiki\/how-much-time-should-a-9-year-old-play-video-games\/#7_How_can_I_find_age-appropriate_video_games\" title=\"7. How can I find age-appropriate video games?\">7. How can I find age-appropriate video games?<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-14\" href=\"https:\/\/www.gameslearningsociety.org\/wiki\/how-much-time-should-a-9-year-old-play-video-games\/#8_What_are_the_best_parental_control_tools_for_video_games\" title=\"8. What are the best parental control tools for video games?\">8. What are the best parental control tools for video games?<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-15\" href=\"https:\/\/www.gameslearningsociety.org\/wiki\/how-much-time-should-a-9-year-old-play-video-games\/#9_My_child_is_obsessed_with_a_specific_game_Should_I_be_worried\" title=\"9. My child is obsessed with a specific game. Should I be worried?\">9. My child is obsessed with a specific game. Should I be worried?<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-16\" href=\"https:\/\/www.gameslearningsociety.org\/wiki\/how-much-time-should-a-9-year-old-play-video-games\/#10_How_do_I_handle_in-game_purchases\" title=\"10. How do I handle in-game purchases?\">10. How do I handle in-game purchases?<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-17\" href=\"https:\/\/www.gameslearningsociety.org\/wiki\/how-much-time-should-a-9-year-old-play-video-games\/#11_What_is_the_impact_of_video_games_on_sleep\" title=\"11. What is the impact of video games on sleep?\">11. What is the impact of video games on sleep?<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-18\" href=\"https:\/\/www.gameslearningsociety.org\/wiki\/how-much-time-should-a-9-year-old-play-video-games\/#12_Should_I_ban_video_games_altogether\" title=\"12. Should I ban video games altogether?\">12. Should I ban video games altogether?<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-19\" href=\"https:\/\/www.gameslearningsociety.org\/wiki\/how-much-time-should-a-9-year-old-play-video-games\/#13_How_can_I_make_screen_time_more_educational\" title=\"13. How can I make screen time more educational?\">13. How can I make screen time more educational?<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-20\" href=\"https:\/\/www.gameslearningsociety.org\/wiki\/how-much-time-should-a-9-year-old-play-video-games\/#14_My_child_says_everyone_else_is_allowed_more_game_time_How_do_I_respond\" title=\"14. My child says everyone else is allowed more game time. How do I respond?\">14. My child says everyone else is allowed more game time. How do I respond?<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-21\" href=\"https:\/\/www.gameslearningsociety.org\/wiki\/how-much-time-should-a-9-year-old-play-video-games\/#15_How_often_should_I_review_our_family_media_plan\" title=\"15. How often should I review our family media plan?\">15. How often should I review our family media plan?<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-22\" href=\"https:\/\/www.gameslearningsociety.org\/wiki\/how-much-time-should-a-9-year-old-play-video-games\/#The_Bottom_Line\" title=\"The Bottom Line\">The Bottom Line<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/li><\/ul><\/nav><\/div>\n<h1><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Navigating_the_Pixelated_Playground_How_Much_Video_Game_Time_is_Right_for_Your_9-Year-Old\"><\/span>Navigating the Pixelated Playground: How Much Video Game Time is Right for Your 9-Year-Old?<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h1>\n<p>So, your 9-year-old is hooked on video games. You\u2019re wondering \u2013 and rightfully so \u2013 just how much time is <em>too<\/em> much? Here&#8217;s the straightforward answer: <strong>The ideal amount of video game time for a 9-year-old, according to the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP), falls within the range of 30 to 60 minutes on school days and up to 2 hours on non-school days.<\/strong> However, this is just a guideline. It is important to consider the <strong>quality of the games<\/strong>, your child&#8217;s <strong>overall well-being<\/strong>, and your <strong>family&#8217;s values.<\/strong> Now, let&#8217;s dive deeper into the nuances of this digital dilemma.<\/p>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"The_Balancing_Act_Benefits_vs_Risks\"><\/span>The Balancing Act: Benefits vs. Risks<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p>Video games aren\u2019t inherently evil. In fact, some can offer surprising benefits. Games can enhance <strong>problem-solving skills<\/strong>, improve <strong>hand-eye coordination<\/strong>, encourage <strong>strategic thinking<\/strong>, and even foster <strong>social interaction<\/strong> (especially when kids play with friends). Games such as Minecraft allow kids to build and be creative, while other strategy games allow them to think critically. Some games are even designed to educate. However, there are potential pitfalls to be aware of.<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li><strong>Excessive screen time<\/strong> can displace important activities like outdoor play, physical activity, and face-to-face social interactions.<\/li>\n<li>It can contribute to <strong>sleep problems<\/strong>, impacting a child&#8217;s ability to focus and learn.<\/li>\n<li>Some games contain <strong>violent content<\/strong> that may desensitize children or promote aggressive behavior.<\/li>\n<li>Overdoing the gaming can lead to <strong>social isolation<\/strong>, <strong>eye strain<\/strong>, <strong>obesity<\/strong>, and even <strong>anxiety or depression.<\/strong><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>The key is finding a <strong>healthy balance<\/strong> that allows your child to enjoy the benefits of gaming while minimizing the risks. The Games Learning Society advocates for using games as tools for learning and engagement. You can learn more at <strong>GamesLearningSociety.org<\/strong>.<\/p>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Quality_Over_Quantity_Not_All_Games_Are_Created_Equal\"><\/span>Quality Over Quantity: Not All Games Are Created Equal<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p>Think of video games like books \u2013 some are enriching and thought-provoking, while others are mindless entertainment. Instead of solely focusing on the clock, consider what your child is <em>actually<\/em> playing.<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li><strong>Choose age-appropriate games:<\/strong> Check the ESRB rating (Entertainment Software Rating Board) to ensure the game is suitable for your child&#8217;s age and maturity level.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Look for games that promote cognitive skills:<\/strong> Games that require problem-solving, strategy, or creativity can be more beneficial than simple button-mashing games.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Consider cooperative games:<\/strong> These can encourage teamwork and social interaction.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Be aware of in-game purchases:<\/strong> Some games entice players to spend real money on virtual items. Set clear boundaries about in-app purchases to avoid unexpected bills.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Creating_a_Family_Media_Plan\"><\/span>Creating a Family Media Plan<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p>Instead of simply imposing arbitrary rules, involve your child in creating a <strong>family media plan<\/strong>. This collaborative approach helps them understand the rationale behind the limits and makes them more likely to comply.<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li><strong>Set clear expectations:<\/strong> Discuss the rules about screen time, game selection, and appropriate online behavior.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Prioritize other activities:<\/strong> Make sure your child has plenty of time for physical activity, outdoor play, reading, hobbies, and social interaction.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Establish tech-free zones:<\/strong> Designate certain times or areas of the house as screen-free, such as meal times or bedrooms.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Lead by example:<\/strong> Model healthy screen habits yourself. Put away your phone during dinner, and make time for non-screen activities.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Use parental controls:<\/strong> Most gaming consoles and devices have parental control features that allow you to set time limits, block inappropriate content, and monitor your child&#8217;s activity.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Monitoring_and_Adapting_A_Flexible_Approach\"><\/span>Monitoring and Adapting: A Flexible Approach<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p>The ideal amount of video game time isn&#8217;t a one-size-fits-all solution. It depends on your child&#8217;s individual needs, personality, and circumstances.<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li><strong>Observe your child&#8217;s behavior:<\/strong> Pay attention to how gaming affects their mood, sleep, schoolwork, and social interactions.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Be flexible:<\/strong> Adjust the limits as needed based on your child&#8217;s progress and the changing demands of their life.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Have open conversations:<\/strong> Talk to your child about their gaming experiences, both positive and negative.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Frequently_Asked_Questions_FAQs_About_Video_Games_and_9-Year-Olds\"><\/span>Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About Video Games and 9-Year-Olds<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"1_My_child_gets_angry_when_I_limit_their_game_time_How_can_I_handle_this\"><\/span>1. My child gets angry when I limit their game time. How can I handle this?<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p>Acknowledge their feelings, but stick to the agreed-upon limits. Offer alternative activities to distract them. Consistency is key. Also, involve them in the creation of the rules from the very start.<\/p>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"2_Can_video_games_really_improve_my_childs_cognitive_skills\"><\/span>2. Can video games really improve my child&#8217;s cognitive skills?<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p>Yes, some games can enhance problem-solving, strategic thinking, and hand-eye coordination. It is important to pick games that focus on these areas.<\/p>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"3_What_are_the_signs_that_my_child_is_spending_too_much_time_gaming\"><\/span>3. What are the signs that my child is spending too much time gaming?<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p>Signs include neglecting other activities, sleep problems, irritability, social isolation, and declining grades.<\/p>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"4_How_can_I_encourage_my_child_to_be_more_physically_active\"><\/span>4. How can I encourage my child to be more physically active?<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p>Schedule outdoor activities, enroll them in sports or dance classes, and make exercise a family affair.<\/p>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"5_Are_violent_video_games_harmful_to_children\"><\/span>5. Are violent video games harmful to children?<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p>Some studies suggest that exposure to violent video games may desensitize children to violence and promote aggressive behavior. Choose age-appropriate games with minimal violence.<\/p>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"6_Should_I_allow_my_child_to_play_online_games_with_strangers\"><\/span>6. Should I allow my child to play online games with strangers?<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p>Be cautious about online interactions. Teach your child about online safety and the dangers of sharing personal information with strangers. Encourage them to play with known friends or family members.<\/p>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"7_How_can_I_find_age-appropriate_video_games\"><\/span>7. How can I find age-appropriate video games?<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p>Check the ESRB rating and read online reviews from parents and educators.<\/p>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"8_What_are_the_best_parental_control_tools_for_video_games\"><\/span>8. What are the best parental control tools for video games?<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p>Most gaming consoles and devices have built-in parental control features. There are also third-party apps and software that can help you monitor and limit your child&#8217;s screen time.<\/p>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"9_My_child_is_obsessed_with_a_specific_game_Should_I_be_worried\"><\/span>9. My child is obsessed with a specific game. Should I be worried?<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p>Obsession with any activity can be a cause for concern. Monitor their behavior and ensure they maintain a healthy balance between gaming and other aspects of their life.<\/p>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"10_How_do_I_handle_in-game_purchases\"><\/span>10. How do I handle in-game purchases?<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p>Set clear boundaries about in-app purchases. Disable in-app purchases on your device, or require your child to ask for your permission before making any purchases.<\/p>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"11_What_is_the_impact_of_video_games_on_sleep\"><\/span>11. What is the impact of video games on sleep?<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p>Excessive screen time, especially close to bedtime, can interfere with sleep. Establish a tech-free bedtime routine to promote restful sleep.<\/p>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"12_Should_I_ban_video_games_altogether\"><\/span>12. Should I ban video games altogether?<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p>Banning video games may backfire and lead to resentment. A more effective approach is to set reasonable limits and encourage a healthy balance.<\/p>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"13_How_can_I_make_screen_time_more_educational\"><\/span>13. How can I make screen time more educational?<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p>Choose educational games or apps that align with your child&#8217;s interests and curriculum.<\/p>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"14_My_child_says_everyone_else_is_allowed_more_game_time_How_do_I_respond\"><\/span>14. My child says everyone else is allowed more game time. How do I respond?<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p>Explain that every family has different rules and values. Focus on what&#8217;s best for <em>your<\/em> child&#8217;s health and well-being.<\/p>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"15_How_often_should_I_review_our_family_media_plan\"><\/span>15. How often should I review our family media plan?<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p>Review your family media plan regularly, at least every few months, and make adjustments as needed based on your child&#8217;s changing needs and circumstances.<\/p>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"The_Bottom_Line\"><\/span>The Bottom Line<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p>Finding the right balance of video game time for your 9-year-old is a complex process that requires careful consideration and open communication. Focus on <strong>quality over quantity<\/strong>, create a <strong>family media plan<\/strong>, and <strong>monitor your child&#8217;s behavior<\/strong>. Remember that video games can be a fun and engaging activity, but they should not come at the expense of their health, well-being, and development. By following these guidelines, you can help your child navigate the pixelated playground and reap the benefits of gaming while minimizing the risks.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Navigating the Pixelated Playground: How Much Video Game Time is Right for Your 9-Year-Old? So, your 9-year-old is hooked on video games. You\u2019re wondering \u2013 and rightfully so \u2013 just how much time is too much? Here&#8217;s the straightforward answer: The ideal amount of video game time for a 9-year-old, according to the American Academy &#8230; <a title=\"How much time should a 9 year old play video games?\" class=\"read-more\" href=\"https:\/\/www.gameslearningsociety.org\/wiki\/how-much-time-should-a-9-year-old-play-video-games\/\" aria-label=\"More on How much time should a 9 year old play video games?\">Read more<\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":2,"featured_media":0,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[3],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-369473","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","hentry","category-blog"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.gameslearningsociety.org\/wiki\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/369473","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.gameslearningsociety.org\/wiki\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.gameslearningsociety.org\/wiki\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.gameslearningsociety.org\/wiki\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/2"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.gameslearningsociety.org\/wiki\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=369473"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/www.gameslearningsociety.org\/wiki\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/369473\/revisions"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.gameslearningsociety.org\/wiki\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=369473"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.gameslearningsociety.org\/wiki\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=369473"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.gameslearningsociety.org\/wiki\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=369473"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}