Board games bring families together and create lasting memories, but like any activity involving small pieces and various materials, they require thoughtful safety practices. Whether you are building a collection or simply enjoying regular game nights, understanding proper safety protocols protects both your games and your loved ones.
Understanding Age Ratings and Small Parts Hazards
Every commercially produced board game carries age recommendations, and these guidelines exist for important safety reasons. Games rated for children under three undergo stringent testing to ensure pieces cannot pose choking hazards. However, most educational and strategy games contain small components that present real risks to young children.
The classic "choke tube" test used by safety regulators specifies that any object small enough to fit entirely within a cylinder 3.17 centimetres in diameter and 5.71 centimetres long poses a choking risk for children under three. Many game components, including dice, tokens, cards, and currency pieces, fall within these dimensions. Even games designed for slightly older children often contain pieces that younger siblings might find appealing and dangerous.
Important Safety Warning
Never leave young children unsupervised with board games containing small pieces, regardless of the game's target age rating. Always store games with small components out of reach of children under three years old.
Proper Storage Practices
How you store your board game collection affects both safety and longevity. Games stored improperly can develop mould, attract pests, or become damaged in ways that create unexpected hazards.
Climate Control Considerations
Board games consist primarily of cardboard, paper, and wood, all of which respond poorly to humidity extremes. Garages, attics, and basements typically experience temperature and humidity fluctuations that accelerate material degradation. Moisture can cause warping, delamination, and mould growth, while extreme dryness leads to cracking and brittleness.
Store your collection in climate-controlled living spaces where temperature remains relatively stable. If space constraints require alternative storage, invest in sealed plastic containers with silica gel packets to manage moisture. Regularly inspect stored games for signs of deterioration, paying particular attention to any musty odours that might indicate mould development.
Weight and Stacking Safety
Heavy board game boxes can cause injuries if they fall from shelves, and improper stacking damages both games and creates unstable towers. Place heavier games on lower shelves and lighter ones above. Never stack games higher than you can safely reach, and ensure shelving units are properly anchored to walls, especially in homes with children who might be tempted to climb.
Storage Best Practices
- Store games horizontally to prevent component shifting
- Keep frequently played games accessible at lower heights
- Use shelf dividers to prevent domino-effect toppling
- Label boxes clearly so you don't need to pull multiple games to find one
Safe Handling During Play
Game sessions themselves present opportunities for both accidents and arguments. Establishing clear protocols helps everyone enjoy the experience safely.
Table and Seating Arrangements
Choose stable tables large enough to accommodate the game without components hanging over edges. Folding tables, while convenient, can collapse unexpectedly if not properly locked. Ensure all players have comfortable seating that allows them to reach the game without excessive stretching or standing.
Keep beverages away from the game area or use spill-proof containers. A single spilled drink can destroy a beloved game and create frustration that dampens the family experience. Consider establishing a dedicated "drink zone" away from the playing surface.
Managing Competitive Tensions
Educational games often involve competition, which can escalate into conflict, particularly among siblings or when adults play with children. Establish house rules about acceptable behaviour before beginning, and model good sportsmanship consistently. Taking breaks during long or intense games helps prevent fatigue-related frustration.
Key Takeaway: Creating a Safe Gaming Environment
- Always supervise young children during game play
- Check games regularly for damaged pieces with sharp edges
- Establish and enforce behavioural expectations before playing
- Create designated spaces for drinks away from game components
- Store games securely when not in use
Component Safety and Maintenance
Regular inspection of game components prevents accidents and extends collection life. Cardboard pieces can develop sharp edges from wear. Wooden components may splinter. Plastic parts can crack and create points.
Before each play session, briefly examine the components you will use. Replace or repair damaged pieces promptly. Many publishers sell replacement components, and creative solutions like craft supplies can substitute for missing or damaged pieces in casual family settings.
Cleaning and Sanitisation
Games pass through many hands, making them potential vectors for illness transmission. This concern became particularly prominent during the COVID-19 pandemic but remains relevant for general hygiene. Encourage handwashing before game sessions and periodically wipe plastic and laminated components with appropriate sanitising solutions. Avoid using liquids on cardboard or paper components, as moisture causes irreversible damage.
Special Considerations for Collectors
Serious collectors face additional safety considerations. Valuable games require protection from environmental damage, theft, and accidental destruction. Consider documenting your collection with photographs and maintaining records of condition and value for insurance purposes.
When acquiring secondhand games, inspect thoroughly for pet contamination, pest infestation, smoke damage, or mould. These issues can spread to other games in your collection and pose health risks to your family. Quarantine new acquisitions until you have confirmed their condition, and never hesitate to reject games that show signs of contamination.
Emergency Preparedness
Know what to do if a child swallows a game piece. Small, smooth objects often pass through the digestive system without incident, but certain shapes or materials require immediate medical attention. Keep poison control numbers accessible and know the location of your nearest emergency room. If a child swallows a button battery, which some electronic games contain, seek immediate emergency care as these can cause severe internal burns within hours.
By implementing these safety practices, you create an environment where educational gaming can flourish without unnecessary risks. The goal is not to eliminate all potential hazards, an impossible task with any activity, but to manage risks sensibly while preserving the joy and learning that board games provide. With proper attention to safety, your family can enjoy decades of memorable game nights together.