Online Gaming

Tue, 08/31/2010 - 12:19

Online gaming often involves interaction with other computers and live players. It’s fun for kids to connect with others, but it’s important for them to avoid posting pictures of themselves or releasing other personal information to their fellow gamers. They should also know what to do if another player starts harassing them. We’ve compiled two gaming tip lists, one for parents and one for kids.

Gaming Tips for Parents
Gaming Tips for Kids, Tweens and Teens

Gaming Tips for Parents

Before your kids start playing, be sure your computer has an activated security suite: a firewall, anti-spyware software, and anti-virus software.
Be sure your kids have strong passwords for their gaming accounts. Passwords should be at least eight characters long and contain letters, numbers, and symbols.
Let your kids know they can come to you if they feel uncomfortable when playing a game.
Participate in the game with your kids.
Make sure your kid knows how to block and/or report a cyberbully. Tell them to keep a record of the conversation if they are being harassed and encourage them not to engage the bully.
Make sure your child’s user name does not give away their name, location, gender, age, or any other personal information. (Examples: beach01, book2).
Make sure your kids use an avatar, not an actual picture of themselves.
If your kids are playing a game that features live voice chat, make sure they are disguising their voice. If the game does not have this feature, do not let them use voice chat.
Limit their time playing games.
Make sure you read and understand the ratings for the games that your children are playing. Some game sites have multiple games with different ratings, so check all of them.
Keep the computer out in the open so that you can monitor your kids’ online activities.
Make sure your kids know that they may not send out any materials to fellow gamers that contain private information and/or data.
Use built-in parental controls on your Web browser.
Don’t let your children download anything without your permission. This includes cheat programs that may claim to help your child perform better in the game, but really could be carrying malware.
Remember that prohibition won't work. Your children will use computers and games consoles, even if it's at school or at friends' houses. If you talk to your kids about risks and good judgment, they will be able to get a lot more out of the web.

Top of page.

Gaming Tips for Kids, Tweens and Teens

Before you start playing, be sure your computer has an activated security suite: a firewall, anti-spyware software, and anti-virus software.
Use a strong password for your gaming accounts. Be sure your password has at least eight characters and uses numbers, letters, and symbols.
If another player is making you feel uncomfortable, tell a trusted adult.
Learn how to block and/or report another player if they are making you uncomfortable. Keep a record of what the other player said, but do not engage them.
Never reveal your real name, location, gender, age, or any other personal information. Keep your user name vague.
Use an avatar rather than an actual picture of yourself.
Do not present yourself as dating material.
Do not use voice chat when playing an online game, unless there is a feature that allows you to disguise your voice.
Do not use a web-cam while playing an online game.
Put a time limit on yourself for game playing.
Do not accept downloads from strangers. This includes cheat programs that may claim to help you perform better in the game, but really could be carrying malware.
Do not send out materials to fellow gamers that contains personal information and/or data.
Do not meet a stranger from your gaming world in person. People are not always who they say they are.
Know the risks and practice good judgment.