Online gaming can become a big part of many children’s lives these days. Whether they’re on an Xbox, PlayStation, PC or Nintendo Switch, there’s a game out there to appeal to all interests. Navigating the digital world is complex, particularly when children want to explore the multiplayer communities available.
As parents, we want to put safety first to make sure our children are gaming responsibly.
Here are a few tips to help you keep your young gamers safe online:
Know the game’s age rating
Check the label: Before your child starts playing, check the age rating on the game’s box or online store page.
PEGI ratings are usually shown on all game packages for helpful quick reference guidance.
Look for in-game modes: Some games, like Fortnite and Roblox, have creative modes with varying age ratings. Make sure your child’s profile is set up to access age-appropriate content.
Lock down privacy settings
Whatever the gaming device, there are simple ways to help you take control of the settings for your child’s safety. Here’s how:
Console settings
Xbox: Head to Profile & System > Settings > Account > Privacy & Online Safety > Xbox: Privacy. Here, you can adjust who can communicate with your child and what content they can access.
PlayStation: Go to Account Management > Privacy Settings to customize privacy restrictions.
Nintendo Switch: Select Parental Controls > Use this Console > Restriction Level to limit online interactions.
Game-specific settings
Games have their own privacy settings. Fortnite, for example, lets you control who can voice chat with your child and send them friend requests. You can tweak the game’s settings so that only friends can send your child friend requests. It’s a good idea to check the settings for every game they play.
Teach good sportsmanship
Respectful gaming: It’s often overlooked in online gaming, but you can encourage your child to be a good sport, win or lose, just like in real-life sports.
Kindness matters: Teach your child to be kind to other players to encourage a positive gaming experience and keep cyber bullying at bay.
Game together
Bonding time: Join your child in a game they enjoy. This is a great way to monitor their online activity and have fun together while your child is still finding their way around the world of gaming.
A little parental guidance goes a long way in the digital world. By following these simple steps, you can help ensure your child has a safe and positive gaming experience.
Want to learn more about keeping your child safe online? Check out these helpful articles:
