Register now for online available courses focusing on safer online gaming
Online games can be great fun for your child. They create an environment for socialising and an outlet for a child’s imagination. But there can also be downsides, and you can help them manage the risks.
Many games can improve your child’s coordination, problem-solving and multi-tasking skills, as well as help build social skills through online interactivity with other players. But it is also important to understand what might go wrong and could have a negative impact on your child.
Online gaming is becoming increasingly popular. The e safety commissioner webpage has disclosed the following statistics. 81% of children aged 8 to 17 have played an online game, 64% have played a multiplayer online game with others, 52% have played with people they did not know, 17% have experienced bullying or abuse while playing a network game with others, and 34% have made an in-game purchase and this rose to 45% when they played a network game with others.
How to create a safer gaming environment for your child
Prepare
- Locate the computer or games console in an open area of your home.
- Install current security software on all devices to protect against viruses.
- Activate parental controls and safety features on the device.
Build good habits
- Help your child to protect their privacy online — get them to use a screen name that does not reveal their real name.
- Agree on strategies to help them to switch off, like a timer that signals game time is nearly over.
Stay involved
- Talk regularly with your child about their gaming interests and who they play with online. Help them understand the risks.
- Play alongside your child to get a better sense of how they are handling their personal information and who they are communicating with.
- Monitor the time your child spends online and keep a look out for any changes in their activity, school or social behaviours.
- Encourage your child to tell you if they experience anything that worries them or makes them uncomfortable.
Be aware of what they are playing
- You can check the age guidelines and classification for an individual game on its website or product packaging, or from the Australian Classification Board’s public database.
- The Australian Classification Board also has useful information on violent video games to help parents and their children decide what video games are appropriate for them.
Is your child spending too much time gaming?
Your child may be spending too much time playing games if their gaming starts to have negative impacts on them or your family.
Look out for signs such as:
- less interest in social activities like meeting friends or playing sport
- not doing so well at school
- tiredness, sleep disturbance, headaches or eye strain
- changes in eating patterns
- reduced personal hygiene
- obsession with particular websites or games
- anger when being asked to take a break from online activity, or appearing anxious or irritable when away from the computer
- becoming withdrawn from friends and family
The e safety commissioner website is a fabulous resource to help support and educate around online safety. There are free app checklists, online webinars and information sheets. There is a safer online gamer webinar designed for parents and carers of young people aged 8 to 13 years of age.
Term 2 Webinar dates (Australian Eastern Standard Time)
Thursday 9 June 12.30 – 1.30 pm
Friday 17 June 12.30 – 1.30 pm
Tuesday 21 June 7.30 – 8.30 pm
Register via this link https://register.gotowebinar.com/rt/4934585514215344653
Alana Beard
Head of Haydon House