Internet Safety: Parents

Video games are popular with children of all ages, especially boys. Some games allow interactivity with other players online. Games can be educational or may be purely for fun.

Games vary in terms of their content with some having high levels of violent or sexual content. Checking age guidelines and ratings can help to guide your child’s online game use.

Some online games encourage team work and interaction with others online. This can include adults. Teens will be best protected if they keep their personal information to themselves and don’t engage in personal conversations in online games.

If children are using sites that enable direct interaction with others it is a good idea for adults to supervise their interactions and to establish rules about the information they are allowed to provide to others. Setting rules about what to do if they encounter disturbing content or contact from others is also useful.

Online gambling

In a world with limitless online possibilities for entertainment, kids and young people can stumble across and engage in online gambling through online games.

Applications on social media sitesoften require users to purchase credits to play games, access special features and give virtual gifts. It is important that children understand the differences between simple gaming, and gambling online.

The internet offers a myriad of online gambling sites ranging from betting on sport and racing to well known casino games.Gambling in games is very risky for kidsand teens, and can interfere with their schooling and social life.

Tips

• Help your children understand the risks of excessive gaming and gambling in online games
• Keep a look out for changes ina child’s activity, school or social behaviours and talk to your child if you have any concerns
• Avoid gambling activities as a family and do not gamble in front of your children
• Keep the computer in a living room and limit private internet activity.”

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