When your child starts playing online games, there are many things you should know about the content and how to keep a close eye on them. Make sure to turn on notifications for the game and turn off chat features if your child is using this feature. Your child might encounter offensive or uncomfortable interactions while playing online games, including predators and bullies. You should check in on your child regularly and make sure they are staying safe and healthy.
ESRB ratings don’t apply to online games
ESRB ratings aren’t just for retail games anymore. In 2012, the organization expanded its system to include games for mobile devices and tablets. Even though this expansion has been welcomed by many consumers, it hasn’t done enough to deter children from playing inappropriate games. In addition, ESRB ratings have failed to protect serious gamers. They aren’t effective in protecting children from harm, as they don’t differentiate games by content.
In-app purchases
You might have noticed that some free games have in-app purchases, but that does not necessarily mean that they are bad. These purchases are often called expendables, and they are usually required for players to unlock certain features and extend their playtime. In-app currency is the most common type of expendable, and some games let you accumulate it over time. However, some players simply purchase in-app currency to enjoy their games even more.
Cyberbullying
Impersonation of a person is a common form of cyberbullying. This behavior may range from obvious mockery to actual stealing of an individual’s identity. For obvious impersonation, the victim may betboo contacted to explain the nature of the post or to delete the message. More serious impersonations may be caused by using personal information shared in confidence in order to create a fake account. If the identity of the victim is stolen, the person may be reported to the police.
Addiction
A recent study on the prevalence of online gaming addiction found that 4.2 percent of participants had a pathological gaming behavior. Another study of 840 gamers found a prevalence of 11.9 percent. Both studies showed that a small percentage of gamers is addicted, with an average age of thirteen to sixteen years. However, these findings do not support a universal definition of IGD. There are several causes of online gaming addiction and treatment options are available.
Protecting children
One of the most important things a parent can do to protect their children while playing online gaming is to install current security software. These programs will allow you to control access to certain websites and content. You can also use parental controls to restrict your child’s in-game purchases. Parents can also help their children protect their privacy by following these guidelines. For example, parents should not give their children their own passwords or share them with other people online.