Online Games and Video Game Consoles

How can I make it safer?

Setting things up…

  • When initially setting up any video game console for the first time, be sure you are present to setup any parental controls and create passwords for the parental control features. You can control online access by using the block and/or restrict features available on most video game consoles.
  • Ensure that adolescents only play games with approved individuals (family and offline friends) by using such features as Nintendo's Friend Code or buddy list options offered in Xbox and PlayStation networks. Seek games that offer the ability to block or restrict individuals who can play with adolescents and allow you to mute other individuals from chatting with adolescents.
  • Know adolescents' passwords, screen names and the friends they are communicating with online.
  • Set limits on the amount of time adolescents spend online.
  • Monitor adolescents' text and voice chats while they are playing.
  • Understand the rating system for games that adolescents enjoy playing. Questions to ask include:
    • Is it age-appropriate?
    • Does it offer the ability to block or restrict individuals who can play with adolescents and allow you to mute other individuals from chatting with adolescents?
    • Is there somewhere to report inappropriate activity?
    • Does the game provide more options for older players? Have adolescents misrepresented their age to get more options?
  • Be involved and show interest in the games adolescents enjoy playing. If possible, play the game with them.
  • Monitor adolescents' increased independence. Even though adolescents may appear as though they can handle certain situations, they actually require and unconsciously seek adult guidance and supervision.

Important discussions to have…

  • Reinforce to adolescents the public nature of the Internet and let them know you will be supervising online activities.
  • Ensure adolescents understand that they can talk to you about anything on the Internet that makes them feel uncomfortable without fear of losing computer privileges.
  • Discuss with adolescents the concept of dignity and self-respect and how it can be preserved or destroyed by messages sent online and offline.
  • Discuss with adolescents the difference between healthy and unhealthy relationships.
  • Stay emotionally connected, and pay close attention to any significant changes in their behaviour.
  • Explain to adolescents that they should never meet in person with someone they first met online without a parent or guardian present.
  • Explain to adolescents that it's illegal to threaten someone online or offline. Explain to adolescents that they should never comply with threats. If someone threatens them online, they need to tell a safe adult.
  • Make sure adolescents know to stop any conversation that makes them feel uncomfortable and tell a safe adult.
  • Discuss with adolescents high-risk behaviour both online and offline and create 'what if' scenarios together to help them recognize dangerous situations and practice responses.
  • Encourage open communication and be aware of adolescents' sensitivity to social judgment. They may be hesitant to share personal experiences.
  • Explain to adolescents how experimenting in a public place like the Internet can have irreversible, embarrassing consequences.
  • Warn adolescents about individuals they chat with online who start talking about sex, puberty, ask 'weird' questions or request sexually explicit pictures. Tell them to trust their instincts and block anyone who makes them feel uncomfortable.
  • Tell adolescents not to share their password with anyone, and that their password should be a combination of numbers and letters (both upper- and lower-case). Explain that pop-up ads and malicious sites may appear legitimate, but that email and messenger providers will never ask for your adolescent's username and password.
  • Teach adolescents that it is illegal for people to manufacture, possess or distribute naked or sexually explicit pictures of children under 18 years of age.
  • Suggest to adolescents that they review Respect Yourself, a website designed to teach youth about the risks they face when sending pictures or videos by email, Instant Messaging (IM) or by posting them online. This website guides teens through the risks and provides them with safety strategies to help keep them safe.

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