For parents and carers

For a lot of kids, the hardest part of gaming isn't the game. It's stopping. These free tools turn "turn it off now!" into a routine you agree on ahead of time.

A stop that tends to go better

1. Agree it before they start. A time or a number of matches, decided together while everyone's calm. The last-game timer holds you both to it.
2. Let the timer say it, not you. Let your child press Start. A visual timer shows time running out without anyone nagging. Keep the warnings only if they help your child.
3. Stop at a natural break. Many games have no pause button or clear stopping point. "Finish this match, then no new one" is usually fairer than stopping mid-game, and easier to keep.
4. Have a clear next thing. A Now / Next board answers "and then what?" before it's asked: "Now: gaming. Next: dinner."
5. Help them come down. If feelings are running high, a feelings check-in or a minute of slow breathing can help. Do it alongside them.

What the research says, honestly

• Natural breaks beat sudden stops. In a small study of families with young children, screen time was easier to end at a natural stopping point, like the end of a game, and when it was part of a routine. A parent's two-minute warning, by contrast, came with more upset (University of Washington, 2016 (opens in a new tab)). The children were 1 to 5 years old, so treat this as a hint for older kids, not a rule.
• Plan together. The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends a family media plan (opens in a new tab) you discuss with your kids. It also suggests reminding children of the limit and the plan before they play, and, if warnings help, letting them set the timer themselves (HealthyChildren.org (opens in a new tab)).
• Routines and early notice of changes. The NHS advises keeping familiar routines and telling an autistic child about changes as soon as you can (NHS (opens in a new tab)).
• A meltdown isn't a tantrum. The National Autistic Society describes a meltdown as an intense response to feeling completely overwhelmed, not "naughty" behaviour (NAS (opens in a new tab)). Cutting down on noise and light, and having a quiet safe space, can help (NAS (opens in a new tab)).
• Gaming has two sides. Reviews report that teens with ADHD are at higher risk of problem gaming, often linked to impulsivity and using games to cope with hard feelings, but long-term studies are still needed to show cause and effect (Ghiaccio et al., 2025 (opens in a new tab)). In a small survey, many autistic teens said online gaming helped their confidence and friendships, while caregivers raised concerns about online safety and screen time (Hayden-Evans et al., 2026 (opens in a new tab)).

When it's all too much

Autism charities describe meltdowns and shutdowns as involuntary responses to overwhelming stress, not tantrums or attention-seeking. A shutdown can look quiet: going still, or being unable to speak (Ambitious about Autism (opens in a new tab)). What they suggest, in short:

• During: keep them safe, make it quieter and dimmer, let one person stay with them, use few words in a slow, low voice, and don't ask lots of questions (Autistica (opens in a new tab)).
• After: give time to recover, talk only once everyone is calm, and keep a note of what happened before, during and after, to spot triggers over time (NAS (opens in a new tab)).
• On a calm day: work out together what's too much and what helps, with a sensory plan. Agree a break card with school. Prepare for new things with a "what will happen" story.

Keep Too much right now on your home screen: a quiet screen to share, plus these steps in your pocket. For gear like ear defenders, fidgets and weighted blankets, the calm kit guide says what the research does and doesn't show.

Look after yourself too

It's hard work, and it's not just you. A review of 133 studies found parents of children with autism or developmental delay reported higher parenting stress, on average, than parents in other clinical groups (Barroso et al., 2018 (opens in a new tab)). Researchers also note that a caregiver who isn't overwhelmed finds it easier to help a child calm down (Paley & Hajal, 2022 (opens in a new tab)). Looking after yourself is part of looking after them.

• Take breaks. The NHS says time out from caring helps stop you becoming exhausted and run down, and describes respite options from friends and family to day services (NHS (opens in a new tab)).
• Support for you, not just your child. A 2025 review of 12 trials found mindfulness- and acceptance-based programmes reduced stress in parents of autistic children, though the studies were small and varied (Peng et al., 2025 (opens in a new tab)). Ask your doctor, school or local autism service what's near you.
• Use the tools yourself. Two minutes of slow breathing after a hard moment is for you too.
• Talk to someone. Other parents, a friend, or a free helpline.

When to get more help

The World Health Organization describes gaming disorder as impaired control over gaming, gaming taking priority over other interests, and carrying on despite harm, usually for at least 12 months. It affects only a small proportion of people who play (WHO (opens in a new tab)). If that sounds familiar, or you're worried about your child's mood, sleep or safety, talk to your doctor. If you need someone to talk to now, see free helplines.

The tools

• Visual timerWatch the time shrink away. No numbers needed.
• Last gameAgree the stop first. Finish the match, then what's next.
• Now / Next boardOne thing now, one thing next. Pictures and words.
• Feelings check-inName the feeling, find the tool that fits.
• What will happenA short picture story for something new. Read it before you go.
• Too much right nowOne slow shape. No words needed. Plus help for whoever is with you.
• Break cardCan't talk? Show the screen. "I need a break. I will be back."
• Fidget boardPop, slide, spin. Something for restless hands.
• Calm soundsZen bells, gongs, chimes and waves to settle your mind, or brown noise to cover the noise around you.
• Movement breakPush, stretch or shake it out, or a desk break for eyes, hands and neck. Two to three minutes, step by step.
• Urge surfingRide out the urge to play, scroll or use. Watch it rise and fall.
• Craving delayA craving hits? Start a 5-minute delay and work through the 4 Ds while you wait.
• Sensory planToo loud, too bright, need to move? Make a plan that fits you.
• Break a habitFind what sets a habit off and what it gives you. Then swap it for something that gives the same.

Turn on low-stimulation mode in the Display menu (top right) for softer colours and no decorative motion. Everything works offline and can be added to a home screen like an app.

A few honest notes

• These are everyday tools, not therapy. They don't diagnose or treat ADHD, autism or gaming disorder.
• Every child is different. If a tool makes things harder, drop it. You know your child best.
• Nothing your child picks or types is sent anywhere. See our privacy notice.

Tried them? Tell us what worked. Feedback from families shapes what we build next.