Should You Ban Video Games for Children Under 6?
Understanding the Urge to Say “No”
As a parent, especially one with older children already navigating school, homework, and learning challenges, it’s easy to look at your toddler or preschooler with concern. You've seen firsthand how video games can lead to meltdowns, conflict among siblings, or that dreaded post-screen irritability. So when it comes to your youngest — still sweetly innocent, still yours to guide — the question surfaces: should you ban video games entirely before the age of six?
There’s no denying that screen time stirs up strong opinions. But beneath the headlines and hot takes, what does the research say? And more importantly, how can we, as parents, make thoughtful decisions that meet both our children’s needs and our own overwhelmed, real-world lives?
What We Know About Children Under 6 and Screen Time
The World Health Organization and the American Academy of Pediatrics recommend that children under the age of 5 have limited screen time — ideally no more than an hour a day starting from age 2, and none at all under 18 months (excluding video chatting). The rationale lies not in demonizing digital tools, but in affirming the vital developmental needs children have in those early years: face-to-face interaction, imaginative play, physical movement, and unstructured time.
At this stage, brains are wiring rapidly. Young children learn best not through passive input, but through doing. Though some educational games claim to support early literacy or math, the benefit is small compared to activities like reading together, building towers, drawing with crayons, or simply wandering outside.
And emotionally? Children under 6 are still learning how to regulate their feelings, respond to transitions, and manage frustration — all challenges that video games can intensify rather than resolve. This is especially relevant if they have older siblings playing frequently, leading to conflicts or a desire to copy them.
Zero Tolerance — or a Calm, Guided Introduction?
Banning video games entirely may feel like the safest route, but for many families, it’s not that simple. Maybe an older brother plays, and the 4-year-old begs to join. Maybe screens buy you 30 minutes to cook dinner without drama. Or maybe there’s an educational title offering genuinely gentle, age-appropriate content.
In these cases, context matters. A complete ban might protect young children — but it can also create confusion later if the family suddenly shifts toward allowing screen-based play in primary school. Children thrive on consistent boundaries. If gaming will eventually be part of your household culture (even in small, parent-led ways), then creating a thoughtful foundation during the early years can be more beneficial than a blanket prohibition.
Finding Age-Appropriate Alternatives
If your goal is to reduce exposure while still keeping your child engaged, there are rich alternatives worth exploring. Audio-based storytelling, for instance, can provide the immersion and rhythm of screen media without the overstimulation. It also supports language development, imagination, and the critical skill of listening.
One lovely resource is the LISN Kids app — an expansive, thoughtfully curated library of original audiobooks and stories for kids aged 3 to 12. Whether during quiet time, car rides, or wind-down routines, it offers storytelling without screens, allowing young children to engage meaningfully at their own pace. You can find it on iOS and Android.
The Real Question: What Skills Do You Want Your Child to Build?
A more useful question than “Should I allow video games?” might be “What do I want my child to get better at right now?” At age four or five, your child may need:
- To build longer attention spans
- To play independently, creatively, and cooperatively
- To manage disappointment or transitions without meltdowns
- To enjoy quiet activities that don’t rely on constant stimulation
Many games — even the so-called educational ones — don’t support these goals well. And if you’ve ever wondered why your 9-year-old becomes irritable without gaming, this article explores that dynamic in depth. The key insight: patterns start young. Early exposure to quick-reward, high-excitement gaming can rewire what “fun” means in growing minds. But so can a pattern of stories, nature walks, LEGOs, or cooperative board games.
Setting Expectations Now to Support the Future
Parents often ask, “If we say no now, will we regret it later?” There’s no universal answer — but it helps to think about what you’d like your family’s screen culture to look like over time. Setting screen-free routines in the early years makes it easier to introduce healthy video game habits later on.
When the time does come — usually around age 6 — you can gradually guide your child into responsible gaming with clear limits and insight. If you’re curious about how gaming impacts attention span, this article might be a helpful starting place. You can also begin building balanced routines with games and quiet time using these strategies.
So, Should You Ban It Completely?
The answer isn’t yes or no — it’s intentionality. If you feel your preschooler isn’t ready for the emotional rollercoaster of video games, that’s more than valid. If you’d rather shape stronger habits now than unwind problems later, you’re not being strict — you’re being protective. At the same time, if you choose to introduce small doses guided by care, not convenience, that’s valid too.
Whatever you decide, remember that the goal isn’t just to avoid conflict — it’s to help your child grow grounded, curious, and calm. And in the long run, that’s more powerful than any level-up screen could ever offer.
Ready to explore more ways gaming evolves as your child grows? This guide on educational video games for kids aged 9 to 12 might offer a helpful glimpse of what’s to come — and how you can stay one thoughtful step ahead.