Gaming headsets and streaming equipment

As live streaming and game recording has become more popular, young gamers are using more gaming equipment than ever, including gaming headsets, webcams, microphones and game capture devices.

Age guide

There is no specific age recommended for most headsets or other streaming equipment, however it’s important to consider your child’s age and development. Loud music or noises can cause damage to the developing inner ear of younger children. 

What to look out for

• Platforms like Twitch and YouTube are public and allow others users to share your broadcast or a copy of it. Consider your child’s age and whether it may be more appropriate for them to use private or friends-only options for streaming instead of streaming publicly.
• Live streams can also be screen captured and recorded without the user knowing. Once captured, it can be easily shared on any platform and could be hard to delete.
• In-built microphones and cameras may allow your child to voice and video chat with others while playing multiplayer online games.  
• Gaming headsets usually have an app that lets you adjust volume and microphone levels, add post-processing to either, and make profiles for different situations (or even games).
• Extended use of headsets at high volume can cause damage to young children's ears.

How to stay safe

• If your child wants to stream, the best thing you can do is get actively involved and help them do it safely. If your child wants to watch streaming, you can see who they follow and watch how the community interacts to see if there’s any unsafe behaviour.
• Set boundaries around times and areas in the house headphones and headsets can be used for gaming and chatting to others. 
• Only pair via Bluetooth with another device you are aware of and can control.
• Check the privacy policy of apps that are connected to gaming equipment so you’re aware of what type of data these apps are collecting.
• Some models of wireless headphones are specifically designed for kids, with built-in volume-limiting that restricts sound to levels appropriate for young ears.
• The maximum volume recommendation for children is 85 decibels, and it is generally recommended for children not to wear headphones for periods of two hours or more without a break.