Wireless Gaming Safeguard Tips
Keep Children Safe While Using Handhelds and Gaming Devices
Some adults and caregivers, depending on the device, may be unaware that certain gaming devices are able to connect to the Internet wirelessly. Some may not know that certain restaurants or other commercial locations allow Internet connectivity, wirelessly. While enjoying an afternoon lunch at a local restaurant, a child may not only be playing with the wireless device, but could be chatting with a complete stranger without the caregiver's knowledge.
For those with gaming consoles and handhelds that can connect to the Internet or to other users, the following tips and suggestions will help keep children safe while gaming or using a wireless device:
- Prior to purchase of a gaming console or wireless device, research all aspects of the product, including safety issues.
- Learn about parental controls settings for the specific device in question. Some parents are unaware that there are parental controls for Internet use, movies, chat features, levels of violence, etc.
- Visit the specific website for safeguards and safety tips.
- Set rules for children. There are numerous free “contracts” available online, or design a personalized one. Read it, sign it and post it in a visible place.
- Depending on the age of the child, set appropriate time limits.
- Openly discuss privacy issues with children. Specifically, never give out personal information, such as real name, address, email, phone number, school name or location.
- Use a non-gender specific generic username/screen name/gamertag name, such as Table01.
- What kind of photographs are children posting online? Is it a real photograph or an avatar? Is it age-appropriate or provocative?
- Where is the gaming device located? If it can connect to the Internet, is it in an open area of the home or in a bedroom?
- Know who children are talking to and playing with online. Is playing or chatting with strangers allowed?
- Monitor messages, friends and chats. Are children able to block or mute messages or block friends?
- Is there a way to report offenders? If so, do children know how to report offenders to appropriate sources?
- Inappropriate language is commonplace in gaming. What should children do if this happens?
- Does the gaming system allow voice or video chat?
- Voice masking or cloaking may be available on certain devices. Although this may be an option to change a child’s voice, remember adults can alter their voice as well.
- Remind children people are not always who they say they are on the Internet.
- Discuss cyberbullying in an open and honest fashion. What should children do if they witness electronic bullying or are a target of electronic bullying?
- Studies report most children do not tell a trusted adult if they are a victim of electronic bullying.
- Griefers are people who purposely embarrass, taunt, cheat, stalk, intimidate and cause grief to those who are involved in multi-playing gaming.
- Become familiar with various rating systems on games.
- Sit down, participate and play the game.
- Reiterate to children if anything makes them feel uncomfortable in any way, immediately tell a trusted adult.
- While some parents rely solely on parental controls to safeguard children online, it is important to note that some older children may be able to circumvent parental controls, be it on the computer or gaming device.
Gaming and electronic devices can be tremendous fun. Keep children safe by following the above tips and suggestions.
For more online safety information, visit:
Cyberbullying-The Warning Signs.
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