The internet safety risks that apply to kids can be found in various forms. In this post we’ll be exploring what you should be looking at and smart rules that you can teach your children in order to be safe when playing online games.
Content
There are many inappropriate materials available on the web that children can be exposed to and this applies to online games too. The graphics quality in some games is highly realistic and sophisticated and may not be suitable for the age of your child since they can contain sexually explicit or violent scenes that could invoke fear or horror.
Conduct
Children may be at the mercy of others’ online behaviour or may not act appropriately themselves. They may even divulge personal information about your child publicly. Particular conduct risks pertaining to gamers may involve excessive gaming that may influence other areas in their lives, known as addiction. Some websites might not have the permission of the game owner to provide a game as a download, for example, copyright infringement, the same as with film or music, and by downloading such content your child may unknowingly be breaking the law. Always ensure games are downloadable from reputable sites. Check out these casino games for adults not on gamstop.
Contact
Kids are exposed to potential contact from individuals who are likely to abuse or bully them, especially on multiplayer games on the web where players engage with one another not only through playing but also online chats or discussion boards. They could come across offensive language from others, making themselves more vulnerable to online sexual predators or risk being cyberbullied.
Commercialism
Youngster’s privacy could be invaded by aggressive marketing or advertising schemes. Young adults and children often get themselves into hot water by inadvertently running up accounts when playing online games. Some online games have alluring in-app purchases like buying gems or extra lives to help with completing a difficult level in the game.
Rules That You Can Teach Your Kids About Online Gaming
- Being safe – Teach them about not divulging any personal information while playing online. This include details like passwords, addresses, email addresses and phone numbers. This also include videos or images of themselves, family and friends.
- Meetings in Person – Teach them that meeting strangers online can be risky and even dangerous. No matter how long they’ve spoken to a person for, or how nice they appear to be, if they’ve never met the person, they remain a stranger.
- Accepting Game Requests – clicking on links or direct messaging from strangers can lead to issues. It may contain nasty messages, viruses or inappropriate content.
- Reliability – people that they chat to online may not be who they pretend to be and may be offering false information about themselves. They should try to speak to family and friends only and tell a trusted person like a parent, family member or caregiver if they’ve been contacted by someone that makes them feel uncomfortable or that are bullying them online.