Gaming PC setup for 14yo - where's the line?

Apr 29·1 min read

My son has been saving his money and wants to build a gaming PC. He's into competitive shooters and streams on YouTube. Part of me gets it, he's actually pretty good, but I'm worried about him spending 6 hours a day on it instead of doing homework and being outside. I know I can't stop him but how do other dads handle this? Do you set hard limits or just let them figure it out at that age?

4 comments146 views

Comments(4)

AAlexRegularApr 30

The fact that he saved his own money for it says a lot. That's the kind of work ethic you want to encourage. I'd say go for it and maybe just agree on some rules about when he can use it.

DDerek P.RegularApr 30

I was going to build a high end gaming rig too as a teen if I'd had the money. The line isn't the PC itself, it's about balance. School, sports, real life stuff first, gaming on his own time.

PPedroRegularApr 29

Gaming PC is legit if he earned the money himself. That shows responsibility. The real question is what kind of parental controls and limits are you setting on screen time? That's where the line actually is.

DDanny K.RegularApr 30

Let him build it man. Building the PC teaches him more than playing on it probably does. Competitive gaming is his thing so give him the tools to do it right. Just set expectations on grades and responsibilities.