New Xbox Family Settings app gives parents more control over kids’ game time

Microsoft has a new tool called Xbox Family Settings that will hopefully give parents and carers more control over their children’s activities on Xbox consoles. The app, which was previewed on Wednesday, allows parents to limit screen time, create and manage content filters, who their children can play with and communicate with – all from their mobile device.

With the app, parents can change the time limits for the screen, giving children more time to play or create on their consoles than Roman Corona virus forces them to be socially distant from their friends, “said Dave McCarthy, vice president of Xbox Operations, in a statement.

“We believe that playing is an important part of connecting friends and family and having fun while staying at home,” said McCarthy. “The app makes it easy to find the right balance of playtime that feels right for your family.”

All over the world, people’s lives have been turned upside down through social distancing and even upside down stricter locks used to slow the spread of COVID-19. While some are discovering new hobbies or focusing on long-neglected home improvement projects, millions are turning to video games to pass their time.

Microsoft said earlier this month that it was in April The number of new players increased by 25% Joining the gaming community, but educators and parents fear that children may become dependent on some games. The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends Younger children (ages 2 to 5 years) have no more than one hour of screen time per day. “For children from 6 years of age you should strictly limit the time you spend with the media …”

According to Microsoft, parents can use the new app to set screen time limits for each day of the week. This allows flexibility for more screen time on weekends or less during the week when school work is a priority. Content filters can also be set based on the age of the child, which blocks titles that are considered too mature.

Parents can also determine their child’s ability to speak or play with others during play by allowing all or “friends only” or blocking all of them. You can also respond to notifications in real time and get daily or weekly reports on your child’s activities on Xbox.

The app is available for Android users and for the first 10,000 iOS users who download it.