Saving Your Child Against Online Gaming Hazards

This pandemic has been really stressful. As a wife and mother, the health, happiness, and welfare of my family are the most important things for me. I try to do my responsibilities the best way I know how but sometimes I also get exhausted. One way of de-stressing for me is playing online games.

My favorite is still the online game that I used to play when I was younger which is Tetris but a modern version — it’s called Super Tetris Logic Puzzle Game which I got from plays.org/games, an online gaming site where you can play free online games. It’s uncomplicated and easy to play that’s why I like it so much.

I also like Tank Wars which reminds me of Battle City. I like this because it’s a multiplayer game so I can play it with my husband and daughter. It’s our way of bonding. Again, this one is easy and can be played on any device (PC, mobile phones, tablets).

There are many other online gaming sites out there that anyone can access right away even by very young children such as 247 Games and Big Fish Games, even sites that are very inappropriate. That fact makes me afraid at times since this can put kids in danger. Many parents are leaving a door wide open to criminals by letting their children play online games unsupervised.

Here Are Ways To Keep Kids Safer Online:

1.) Teach your children that gaming friends are still strangers

Participants in online games can get away from reality and assume different identities, that’s why online predators may appear to be other children, and children can assume the identities of older youths. Friendships may develop with inappropriate gaming partners who may contact them in the real world.

2.) Games should be age appropriate

A small child will explore beyond the parameters of what he’s allowed to explore. All gadgets and gaming consoles today come with family safety settings. Think of the age and maturity of your child and the games they’re asking to play. Also consider the gaming device that your child will use. Are the safety settings in place? Are the games at par with his level of maturity? Do they help you set appropriate boundaries with regards to the types of games allowed and who they’re allowed to associate with. Furthermore, explain to your child about appropriate gaming, which are appropriate and which are not. Another example of an appropriate online game for kids is the Planet Spin Color Matching Rotating Game, also from plays.org/planet-spin.

3.) Don’t presume that all cartoon characters are harmless

Scrutinize that the cartoon your child is engaging with is the real, child-friendly version.

4.) Know the game’s environment

As a parent, you shouldn’t leave your kids to explore the gaming world alone especially when they’re very young. Investigate the environment yourself to see whether you’re comfortable with the levels of violence and the style of one-to-one exchange between participants.

5.) Avoid sharing too much information

Tell your kids to not give too much personal information about themselves such as their full name, address, phone number, parents’ names, school etc. Explain why this can be really dangerous. Also tell them to not share pictures.

6.) Think of cyber risk

Kids are curious by nature. They’re easily influenced to download content as well as click links that offer new fun games and videos. Cybercriminals may use this opportunity to access your home networks, and eventually your digital devices and home cameras. Teach your kids to distinguish unsafe links and content and avoid them at all costs.

Always tell your kids that there’s help for them if ever they encounter issues like cyberbullying, identity theft, hacking, improper behavior, etc. Also tell them that any improper behavior on their part will have consequences.