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.
  • Know your child's login information. Assist your child with the creation of online profiles when your child joins social networking or gaming sites. Only fill in what is necessary, leaving out any identifying or revealing information.
  • Review the games your child plays and make sure you understand the rating system for games in order to determine if they are age-appropriate. Important questions to ask include:
    • Is the game moderated?
    • Is there a chat component?
    • Are avatars used?
    • Does it contain sexually explicit or violent material?
    • Is there somewhere in the game where you can report inappropriate activity?
    • Does the game provide more options for older players? Has your child misrepresented their age to get more options?
  • Seek games that offer the ability to block or restrict individuals who can play with your child and allow you to mute other individuals from chatting with your child.
  • Ensure your child only plays games with approved individuals (e.g. family and offline friends) by using such features as Nintendo's “Friend Code” or Xbox and PlayStation network’s “buddy list.”
  • Monitor your child's text and voice chat while they are playing games, paying attention to the nature and tone of the social interactions.
  • Be involved and show interest in the games your child plays. If possible play the game with your child.

Important discussions to have…

  • Explain to your child that online chatting needs to be adult-supervised.
  • Reinforce the idea that not everyone is who they say they are online. People can pretend to be older or younger than they actually are.
  • Explain to your child that s/he should trust her/his instincts and block or ignore someone if they asks questions online that seem "weird" (i.e. questions about puberty, sex, etc.).
  • Talk to your child about friendship: what it is and isn't.
  • Explain to your child that it's illegal to threaten someone, and that s/he should tell a safe adult if s/he is threatened online.

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