The Xbox 360 Family Timer

The Family Timer — part of Xbox 360 Family Settings — lets you manage your family's gaming console use on a daily or weekly basis.

With the Family Timer, there's no need to argue when playtime is up; the console automatically keeps track.

For example, let's say you want to set the console to allow two hours of play daily. After that time is up, the console can't play games again within the 24-hour period.

If you're the "console administrator," which means you know the pass code, you can override Family Timer settings if you want to continue playing games after the set time limit is reached. Add more time or suspend the timer altogether.

This Tip Sheet explains how to use the Xbox 360 Family Timer.

If you have another gaming console that doesn't have a built-in timer, keep track with a downloadable Screen Time Tracker, or by using a kitchen timer to let your kids know when to put away their game controllers.