Online Games

The Internet has changed the nature of games played by kids, and the interactive components of online games make them appealing to children of all ages. While it is easy for parents to believe that their child is safe while playing a game, precautions need to be taken as most online games have a chat component where children can interact with others.

What can parents do?

  • Know and explore the games your child is playing online in order to determine if they are age-appropriate. Questions to ask include:
    • Is the game moderated?
    • Does the game contain sexually explicit material?
    • Is the game graphically violent?
    • Is there an interactive chat component in the game? Is this an optional feature that can be turned off?
    • Does the game provide more options for older players? Has your child misrepresented her/his age to get more options?
    • Can players email each other back and forth?
    • Can players send each other attachments, such as pictures?
    • Does the game have a friend or buddy list? Who is on your child's buddy list?
    • Is there a way for your child to contact other players? Do players first need to get your child's permission to contact her/him or can they simply begin chatting?
    • Does the game have a message board where players can post comments? Is this an optional function?
  • Review the game guidelines. Can you report any inappropriate activity?
  • Assist your child in the creation of their login and password information.
    • What username or character name has your child given her/himself? Does it provide any identifying characteristics about her/him or her/his hobbies (e.g. shygirl, bookworm, etc.)?
    • Check to see if your child must create an online profile to join the site. If s/he does, what has your child included in it (real name, city, email address, age)?

What should parents talk to their child about?

  • Set the expectation that you will monitor your child online as the Internet is a public environment.
  • Teach your child to check with you before sharing any personal information online.
  • Reinforce the idea with your child that not everyone is who they say they are online. People can pretend to be older or younger than they actually are.
  • Just as you would explain codes of conduct for offline games, the same should be done for games played online.
  • Discuss with your child that s/he should only chat with players and include people on her/his buddy or friend list that s/he knows offline.
  • Make sure your child keeps personal information, including photos and phone numbers, off of her/his gaming profile.
  • Teach your child that if someone s/he doesn't know sends her/him an attachment, not to open it.
  • Tell your child that if s/he comes across something or someone while playing an online game that makes her/him feel uncomfortable, explain that s/he can tell you without fear of losing gaming privileges.
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