As our generation dwells more into the digital world, it is a high-time people belonging to the older generations to cope and try to lessen this digital divide.
As a parent, you cannot run from this. You have to participate to ensure that your children undergo a decent upbringing in the age of information.
Gaming is one of the main stakeholders of this digital-age and we cannot see any signs of its popularity abating.
All age groups are hooked to the consoles and computers massively. The gaming craze appeared to be normal in pre-internet eras.
Now, it has added a dash of excitement in the world of gaming. Gamers can now play and compete online.
The realization was late but the gaming world eventually realized that they have to take parents into confidence to sustain this multi-billion dollar business.
They simply cannot make games for adults and leave the under 16 markets alone.
However, as a parent, there are so many things to consider while your child is gaming online.
This article is designed especially for parents with children hooked to consoles or computers 24/7.
Here is what you need to understand:
Make sure your internet provider is secure
Many people underestimate the importance of online security. Hackers and scammers are looking for ways to exploit your network.
The more secure your network is, the less are the chances for any hacker to get access to your network.
Children are the most vulnerable group as hackers can reach them while they are playing games online.
Therefore, get a secure network connection. For example, you get a free-security suite with all Spectrum packages to save you from malware, hackers, and scammers.
Discuss what games are being played
Now, this might be a difficult thing to do. In most of the cases, you would not understand what your children are talking about. Stay calm and listen to them closely.
There are many different forms of online games. These games are available to download on the phone or played through an internet-enabled Xbox or PlayStation.
For a basic understanding, here are some of the forms of online games:
Web Games: These games do not require any downloading. Children can play these games just by opening the browser. Web games also include those that are available on social media platforms such as Facebook.
Console Games: Almost every other kid wants an Xbox or PlayStation on his or her birthday or at Christmas. These games are played via consoles and connected to the TV.
Mobile games: These games are downloaded on the mobile phone. Many games are free to play but some require additional charges for special rewards.
Check the age ratings
These ratings determine whether the game is suitable for a particular age group.
It is quite common to buy different games based on their age rating.
This is a specially designed system to judge games based on age appropriateness, the kind of content, and many online features that are of interest to the parents.
Therefore, once you know what games are being played, it is time to do some research.
You can google the rating summaries online to find an insight on the kind of content in the game so that you know before making a purchase.
This helps in understanding whether the game is appropriate for your children or not.
Moreover, engaging with the storyline will give you an understanding of the storyline and purpose. You can find any disturbing or upsetting scenes beforehand.
Tweak the parental controls
Every console, smartphone, handheld gaming device, and tablet has parental controls. Parents can activate these controls and manage the time your kids can spend on playing the games.
Moreover, many games require users to purchase some additional features.
These parental controls give you the authority to decide how much money kids can spend buying these additional features or games.
You can get more information about parental controls by reading the manual that comes with the device.
Get familiar with the privacy settings
Make sure that the account is secured and requires a two-step verification method.
This method requires you to enter additional information other than the password.
Therefore, get familiar with the privacy settings for each device.
Moreover, you must go through the privacy policy of each game and check how the information is shared.
I know this sounds a lot to do but steps like these can simply make your child more secure online.
These privacy settings can help you filter the content and remove all the potentially inappropriate content.
As a result, you do not have to worry about anything even when you are away from home.
Schedule breaks
Since your child is your responsibility, you must have all the control over how much time he spends on playing these online games.
Gaming addiction is a real thing and might create a big problem for you and your children in the future.
These games are highly addictive and may hamper the productivity of your children.
Therefore, you should schedule the playing hours.
Educate your child on bullying
We live in a cruel world and bullying still exists. Sadly, the online games are the harbors of bullying and many children fall victim to this.
Therefore, you need to start a conversation with your child regarding bullying in school or online.
Make sure they know how to respond in these situations.
Tell them it is safe to open up in case they are bullied and explain all the necessary actions they can take to report it.
Final Verdict
Like it or not, gaming will be a big influence on children and adults. You cannot just stop them from playing games.
Therefore, these simple tips can ensure they have a safe and secure gaming experience.