Have your kids traded family time for online game time?
Many parents don’t realize that online gaming can expose kids to the same risks they face on the Internet. All of these systems provide access to the Internet and many include text chat and voice communication capability. In short, they are a new way for your kids to talk to strangers without you knowing it.
One example is the new Nintendo DSi that was introduced in April. It is the newest version of the popular Game boy system. It has two cameras, one facing outwards and one facing towards the user. It has WiFi capability and can connect to the internet with an included browser- for free. Players using the cameras can be seen by the other players in the game... no matter who or where those other players are.
Parents and teachers may not be aware of the capabilities of this product intended for children.
Here are some tips that you can use to keep your gamer safer:
- View game ratings and prescreen games online before purchasing.
- Check if the console comes with parental control features.
- Set parental controls before children start playing. (Consult the user guide or click here for more information regarding parental controls.)
- Set up consoles in a common area for easy supervision.
- Decide if you want to use the console’s Internet capabilities.
- Set gaming rules with your children, such as how long and with whom they can play.
- Choose gender-neutral, appropriate screennames
- Decide if you want to allow voice chat. (If so, use voicemasking features.)
- Teach your children not to reveal personal information through voice chat.
- Encourage them not to respond to cyberbullies and to block unwanted contact.
Click here for more information and other helpful links for parents.
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