5 ways to keep your kids safe when gaming
Over 69% of 8-11-year-olds and over 76% of 12-15-year-olds in the UK state they play online video games, therefore, the importance of parents knowing the risks of these games is crucial in keeping these children safe whilst still enjoying the online communities these games provide.
With this in mind, the experts at Proxyrack have revealed 5 tips for keeping your children safe whilst gaming.
5 ways to keep your kids safe when gaming
1 - Check the game’s content
Most games will contain content warnings if they include content or gameplay which could be deemed harmful or inappropriate for certain users or age groups - this can also be reflected through age ratings labelled on the game.
2 - Parental Settings
By checking the game settings, there is often the option to limit certain features of the game such as online access, expletives, gaming with strangers and online chat rooms within the game. It is also worth having a look at console settings to reduce the chances of your child coming across a game with inappropriate content.
3 - Communication is key
Talk to your children about the games they are playing - if you allow an open discussion about the content of these games and whether it’s appropriate. Communication is also vital in the chance that they are experiencing toxic online/ gaming environments with bullying or expletives interrupting their enjoyment.
4 - Set boundaries
It is important to be aware of how long your child is spending on their games console as there is the risk of addiction or dependency forming. Setting clear boundaries for the amount of time they can spend gaming can be important in reducing these risks.
5 - Monitor Payments
Most modern game consoles and systems allow for games to be purchased for instant download. Try and avoid saving your payment details on the system after any previous purchases as this will reduce the chances of your child buying a game without your permission.
Evan, Technical Specialist at Proxyrack has shared the following advice for keeping your children safe whilst gaming:
“Gaming accessibility has grown and developed in recent years, with many children finding a sense of community through games they can play with friends and family - however, with this increased accessibility comes growing risks.
A lot of modern games will include online features to allow players to communicate with others, this can be great for friend groups to play together, however, it is also an opportunity for strangers to play and chat too. This can come with many risks, for example, bullying and harsh language can be common in these chat rooms - online grooming is also a possibility, with individuals posing as someone a lot younger than they are as a method of approaching children with ill intent. With this in mind, limiting game features can be a good way of reducing these risks, most games often have the option to turn off chat features, or to restrict who players can chat with.
I will also encourage parents/ guardians to check the content and ratings of the games being played by their children - these can be a good tell as to whether the game is suitable for the child’s age group. If there is a dispute with the children if the game isn’t deemed appropriate, it is important to explain why you think this and suggest alternative games they can play until they are old enough for the game to be suitable.
As mentioned earlier, bullying can be a common occurrence through online games so it is important to check in with your children to ensure they are able to play their games in a comfortable and welcoming environment. Familiarise yourself with the support options offered by the games in the case of bullying so you know where to report other players if this behaviour persists.”
Cover photo from Canva
