Parents want their kids to have an enjoyable experience when playing online games, but they’re often concerned that browsing the Internet exposes them to risks. They’re aware that they sometimes leave their guard down when their kids are at home and don’t pay attention to what they do online. However, they know online gaming presents risks, and children could be exposed to inappropriate people or content.
If you have children passionate about playing online games, you most likely wonder if they engage with strangers online. Are there any dangers of your kids sharing personal information while playing games? Can you protect them from the dangers lurking online?
Are the last generation of games safe for children?
Blockchain technology powers the last generation of online games. Children are dabbing the Metaverse these days and dabbing to blockchain games to have fun and even make money. Don’t be surprised if your children know how to buy Ethereum because, when playing Metaverse games, they get familiar with cryptocurrencies. Parents must prepare children for a world where blockchain apps and digital currencies are part of daily life. The truth is there is no way to keep your children away from Metaverse games, as they’re some of the most captivating solutions found online. However, parents can teach children how to use blockchain applications and cryptocurrencies correctly.
It’s crucial to understand that the blockchain guarantees anonymity, hence, everyone can develop games and access the Metaverse. Parents should also note that most crypto platforms require users to be 18 or older, so they must check if their children are of age before allowing them to create an account.
It’s best for children to play online games with people they know in real life
When you allow your children to play games on the Internet, keep an eye on the players they engage with and ensure they are people they know in real life. Encourage your kids to play with their friends and colleagues instead of strangers. This is a simple way to ensure the players are people you trust and your kids aren’t exposed to inappropriate individuals.
Before allowing your children to register on online gaming platforms, discuss the dangers of engaging with strangers on the Internet. Ensure they never agree to join private chats or meet someone they meet online in real life without consulting with you in advance.
Pick the games they’re allowed to play together
Once your children express their interest in online games, make time to select the games together. This could be an excellent opportunity to bond with them and ensure they stick safe while playing online. Ask them what kind of games they’d like to play, and make a list together so you can pick one. Selecting the games together is essential so you can see what online activity they engage with and who they’re playing with.
Learning how the game works is advisable so you can discuss it with your children after their gaming sessions. Ask questions about the game regularly to figure out if they follow your recommendations not to engage with strangers.
Additionally, when you explore the list of games together, you can also identify those with inappropriate language or content. This is your chance to explain why they shouldn’t use inappropriate language or bully any players.
Create strong passwords for their gaming accounts
Each gaming account requires a password, but children often set weak codes because they fear forgetting them. However, setting strong passwords is crucial because it prevents hackers from gaining access to your children’s sensitive information or your credit card (suppose the game requires paying a fee).
It’s recommended to enable two-factor authentication when possible so you can always know when someone tries to log into the gaming account from another device than the designed one. It’s more challenging for cybercriminals to breach two-factor authentication gaming accounts because you’re always notified when someone tries to access the account from a new device. It would be best if you also taught your children to create strong passwords so they can protect their accounts. Each gaming account should have a password of at least 10 characters, which includes numbers, symbols, and lower- and upper-case letters.
Monitor your children’s gaming activity
It’s essential to keep an eye on your children’s online activity, whether playing games or simply browsing the Internet. You can easily do it if you set up parental controls on all devices they use. It’ll help you block all inappropriate apps and websites.
It’s also advisable to discuss with your children about sharing personal information with people they meet online. They should never provide their full name, address, or contact details. Even if your children understand and agree with your requirements, you should still keep an eye on their online activity. If you don’t recognize someone in their friend’s list, immediately research the user to find who they are.
Set boundaries and rules
Part of the process of creating a safe environment for your children to play online games is to establish clear boundaries and rules they must follow if they want to access the platforms. Setting rules is crucial because it provides your kids with guidance and structure so they can know what they’re allowed to do. For example, it’s advisable to set a time limit for how long they can spend online or even designate specific days and time intervals when they can connect to their online games.
These boundaries and rules could also prevent your children from developing a gaming addiction, which is a common issue among young and adult gamers. They should always prioritize their education, friendships, and physical activities.
Communicate the rules periodically because children tend to forget some details. It’s crucial to be consistent when enforcing gaming guidelines so your kids can understand the consequences of not following your rules. Hold them accountable if they ignore some requirements.
