Level Up Your Parenting: A Guide to Gaming and Online Safety
The world of online gaming offers kids incredible opportunities for entertainment, social connection, and even skill development. But like any digital playground, it also comes with risks. As a parent, it's essential to understand the unique challenges of online gaming to keep your children safe.
1. The Addiction Factor: Finding the Balance
Many popular games are designed to be highly engaging, with features like levelling up, loot boxes, and endless quests that encourage extended play. However, this can lead to excessive screen time and even addiction, which can affect sleep, schoolwork, and overall well-being. I have previously written an article that can explain some of the reasons for addiction in gaming which you can read below.
Think of it like this: Imagine your child's favourite game is a delicious, never-ending bag of chips. It's tasty and fun initially, but if they keep munching without stopping, they'll miss out on other important things like dinner, homework, and playing outside. I will stick with never-ending chips though as I am old and allowed to!
What to do:
Set clear limits on gaming time and stick to them. Use timers, schedules, or parental control apps to enforce these limits. Be consistent, even when your child protests. Check out my other articles on parental controls for advice here or drop me a message or a comment if you need advice.
Encourage other activities and hobbies to maintain balance. Promote a healthy mix of physical activity, social interaction, and creative pursuits. Without other interests, it becomes increasingly more difficult for children to tear themselves away from their online world.
Watch for signs of addiction, such as neglecting responsibilities, becoming agitated when gaming is restricted, withdrawing from family and friends, or experiencing changes in sleep or eating habits. If you're concerned, seek professional help. It can be very easy in this modern world to use devices in the same way that we used to use dummies, but try not to fall into that habit.
Use parental controls on consoles and devices to manage screen time. Most gaming platforms and devices have built-in parental controls that allow you to set time limits, restrict content, and monitor activity. Most manufacturers have good documentation on this, but again, if you need advice, please don't hesitate to reach out.
2. Predators in the Virtual World: Protecting Your Child
Online games, especially those with chat features, can attract predators seeking to groom children. They may pose as another child, offer gifts, or use flattery to gain trust. This can lead to online sexual exploitation, including the sharing of explicit images or even meeting in person.
Back in the day, we would worry about a stranger approaching our child in a park, offering them sweets and asking personal questions. You'd be alarmed, right? The same dangers exist in the online world, but they can be much harder to spot and for that reason is the go to for many predators these days as they can take their time and also the chances of being caught are lower for them.
What to do:
Teach your child to be cautious about sharing personal information online, including their real name, age, location, school, or photos. Emphasise that they should never share passwords or meet someone they've only met online in person. This can also really help them as they grow older to avoid being the victim of identity theft!
Discuss the dangers of online predators in an age-appropriate way. Explain that not everyone online is who they seem and that some people may have bad intentions. Encourage them to tell you if anyone makes them feel uncomfortable or asks them to do something they don't want to do.
Monitor your child's online interactions and friend lists. Be aware of who they are playing with and what they are talking about. If possible, play games with them or watch them play to get a better understanding of their online interactions. Just try not to let competitive dad take over and let them win sometimes!
Consider disabling in-game chat or using voice chat with trusted friends only. This can limit their exposure to potential predators and inappropriate content.
3. In-Game Chat: Navigating the Wild West
In-game chat can be a fun way for kids to connect with friends, but it can also expose them to cyberbullying, hate speech, and inappropriate language. It's like a school playground with minimal supervision - things can get out of hand quickly. I have written articles previously on some of the more popular games but here is some general advice on in-game chat.
What to do:
Familiarise yourself with the games your child plays and their chat features. Understand how the chat works, what kind of language is used, and whether there are any moderation tools available.
Teach your child about responsible online communication and the potential consequences of their words. Explain that what they say online can have a real-world impact and that they should treat others with respect.
Encourage them to report any instances of cyberbullying or inappropriate behaviour. Most games have reporting mechanisms for dealing with abusive players. Teach your child how to use these tools and assure them that they won't get in trouble for reporting.
Consider using parental controls to filter chat content or limit chat access. Some platforms allow you to filter out profanity or restrict chat to friends only.
4. Hidden Costs: Managing In-App Purchases
Many games offer in-app purchases for extra features, virtual items, or currency. These can quickly add up, leading to unexpected expenses and even debt. It's like going to the arcade with a bottomless wallet – it's easy to get carried away.
What to do:
Disable in-app purchases or set spending limits. Most app stores and gaming platforms allow you to restrict in-app purchases or require a password for every transaction.
Talk to your child about the value of money and responsible spending. Explain the difference between real money and virtual currency and help them understand the potential consequences of overspending.
Monitor your credit card statements for any unauthorised purchases. If you see any suspicious activity, contact your bank or credit card company immediately. My advice would be to set up a separate child account using something like Starling or Monzo which you can transfer their pocket money into and use for their gaming.
5. The Importance of Open Communication
The key to online safety is open and honest communication with your child. Talk to them about their online experiences, listen to their concerns, and create a safe space for them to come to you with any problems.
Think of yourself as their online guide, not a warden. Be curious, ask questions, and let them know you're there to support them, not judge them.
By staying informed and involved, you can help your child enjoy the benefits of online gaming while minimizing the risks. Remember, it's all about finding the right balance and equipping your child with the knowledge and skills they need to navigate the digital world safely. I previously wrote an article and recorded a session on the important topic of having ‘The Chat’.
Navigating the online gaming world with your child can feel like venturing into uncharted territory. But with awareness, communication, and the right tools, you can help them level up their online safety skills. Remember, it's not about banning games or instilling fear, but about empowering your child to make smart choices and enjoy a healthy, balanced digital life.
Keep the lines of communication open, stay informed about the games they're playing, and be a supportive presence in their online adventures. By working together, you can help your child reap the rewards of online gaming while minimising the risks.
Please do remember to subscribe, restack and recommend my publication and if you have comments I would love to hear them as it inspires me to keep going when I know I am helping people protect their children.
