How to block specific game genres on a kid’s console?

Parental controls are essential for creating a safe and age-appropriate gaming experience for your children. They allow you to manage the content they access, ensuring they are not exposed to unsuitable material. One way to do this is by blocking specific game genres, preventing them from playing games that might be too mature or violent.

Most modern gaming consoles offer robust parental control features. To access these settings, you usually need to navigate to the console’s settings menu. Here, you will find options to adjust privacy settings, screen time limits, and content filters. The specific steps for accessing and configuring parental controls vary between consoles, so it’s important to consult the instruction manual or online resources for your particular gaming console.

Identifying Specific Game Genres

It’s important to understand the different game genres that you might want to block. Here are some common categories:

Genre	Definition	Examples	Reasons to Block
Action	Focuses on fast-paced gameplay, often involving combat and physical challenges.	Call of Duty, Grand Theft Auto, Spider-Man	May contain violence, mature themes, and potentially addictive gameplay.
Adventure	Emphasizes exploration, storytelling, and problem-solving.	The Legend of Zelda, Uncharted, Tomb Raider	Can sometimes include mature themes or violence, depending on the specific game.
Role-Playing (RPG)	Allows players to create and customize characters, develop skills, and progress through a story.	The Elder Scrolls, Final Fantasy, Pokémon	Some RPGs might contain mature themes or complex storylines that may be inappropriate for younger players.
Shooter	Focuses on using weapons to defeat enemies.	Halo, Fortnite, Overwatch	Typically involves violence and may be too intense for some children.
Horror	Designed to scare and create suspense through themes of fear, gore, and the supernatural.	Resident Evil, Dead Space, Five Nights at Freddy’s	Clearly inappropriate for young children due to disturbing content.
Simulation	Replicates real-life activities and scenarios.	The Sims, Farming Simulator, Microsoft Flight Simulator	Some simulations might contain mature themes or complex mechanics that may not be suitable for all ages.
Strategy	Emphasizes planning, resource management, and strategic thinking.	Civilization, StarCraft, Age of Empires	Can be complex and require a certain level of cognitive ability, potentially making them unsuitable for younger children.
Sports	Simulates real-world sports, allowing players to compete in various disciplines.	FIFA, NBA 2K, MLB The Show	May include violence or competitive elements that might not be appropriate for all children.
Puzzle	Focuses on solving problems through logic and critical thinking.	Tetris, Candy Crush, Portal	Generally considered safe for most ages, but some puzzles might be too challenging for younger children.
Casual	Designed to be easy to learn and play, often with simple mechanics and short sessions.	Angry Birds, Subway Surfers, Candy Crush	Generally safe for all ages, but some casual games might contain in-app purchases or advertising.

Blocking Genres on Different Consoles

Unfortunately, most popular consoles such as PlayStation, Xbox, and Nintendo Switch do not offer built-in options to block specific game genres. Instead, they typically provide broader content filters based on age ratings or game classifications.

However, you can implement a more granular control by utilizing parental control settings or third-party apps on your console or device. While these solutions might not perfectly block all games from a specific genre, they can help you limit access to content that you consider inappropriate for your child.

Parental Control Settings on Consoles

Here are some common ways to restrict game access on different consoles, though genre-specific blocking may not be available:

PlayStation (PS4/PS5)

Go to **Settings**.
Select **Family Management**.
Choose the user profile for your child.
Select **Parental Controls/Restrictions**.
You can set limits on the game rating and restrict online play.

Xbox (Xbox One/Series X/S)

Go to **Settings**.
Select **Family**.
Choose the user profile for your child.
Select **Game Content Restrictions**.
You can set a maximum age rating for games and control access to online features.

Nintendo Switch

Select **System Settings**.
Go to **Parental Controls**.
Choose **Parental Controls Settings**.
Select **Create or Edit a Profile**.
You can set age restrictions based on game ratings and control online features.

Third-Party Parental Control Apps

For more comprehensive controls, you can consider using third-party parental control apps. These apps offer features beyond what is available on the console itself. While some apps might offer limited free versions, most require a paid subscription for their full capabilities. You can explore various options and choose one that best suits your needs.

mSpy provides a comprehensive range of parental control features, including app blocking, website filtering, location tracking, and call monitoring. mSpy

FlexiSpy offers similar features to mSpy, including the ability to monitor social media activity, track messages, and record phone calls. FlexiSpy

Limitations of Genre Blocking

Remember that genre blocking can have limitations:

Games may not be categorized correctly. The classification system may not always be accurate, and some games might be miscategorized, leading to unintended blocks or missed opportunities.
The blocking system may not be perfect. Some games might slip through the cracks due to imperfect algorithms or changes in game content over time.

You should regularly review the parental control settings and adjust them as needed. Open communication with your child and involvement in their gaming experiences are essential for healthy digital habits.

Alternative Methods for Content Control

Beyond blocking specific game genres, you have several other options to control what your kids experience on their consoles:

Setting Age Limits for Games: Most consoles have built-in systems for setting age limits. These systems typically use a rating system like ESRB (Entertainment Software Rating Board) or PEGI (Pan European Game Information) to categorize games based on their content. This approach is simple and often sufficient for basic control. However, it may not be granular enough to block specific genres, and some games may be rated lower than you’d prefer.
Restricting Online Access: Consoles allow you to restrict internet access during certain hours or entirely. This can prevent your kids from accessing online content, including multiplayer games, social media, and web browsing. However, it also limits access to educational or entertaining online content, and may not effectively prevent access to age-inappropriate content within games.
Using Account Management Features: Many consoles offer account management features that allow you to control what your kids can access. These features can include setting spending limits for in-app purchases, managing friend lists, and monitoring online activity. This method offers more granular control over various aspects of console usage, but it requires consistent monitoring and understanding of the features.
Utilizing Third-Party Apps or Software: Third-party apps and software can offer more comprehensive parental control options. These services might include features like:
- App & Website Blocking: Preventing access to specific apps and websites on the console.
- Time Limits: Setting daily or weekly time limits for console use.
- Content Filtering: Blocking content based on keywords or categories.
- Activity Monitoring: Tracking your child’s gaming activity, including the games played, duration, and online interactions.
Popular examples include:
- mSpy
- FlexiSpy
While these services offer robust features, they often require a paid subscription, may not be compatible with all consoles, and require careful configuration and ongoing monitoring.

Remember, parental controls are not a set-and-forget solution. Regularly check and adjust your settings to keep pace with your child’s growth and changing interests. New games are released all the time, so stay informed about their content and ratings.

To help you make informed decisions:

Consult the ESRB ratings: The Entertainment Software Rating Board (ESRB) provides age-based ratings for video games, offering insights into the content and suitability for different age groups. You can find more information at https://www.esrb.org/.
Explore parental control guides: Each gaming console manufacturer provides specific instructions and resources for managing parental controls. Check their official websites or consult online guides for detailed information.
Join online communities: Connect with other parents and guardians online to share tips, discuss concerns, and learn from their experiences. You can find numerous forums, social media groups, and websites dedicated to gaming and parenting.