Tips for Parents and Educators on Kids’ Safe Online Gaming
Online gaming in the new age of technology is very popular and favorite among kids due to the challenges involved. Because these challenges excite them and make them want to play more. It can make children addicted to it. Online games can be played either over the Internet or over another computer network. Online games can be viewed on almost every gaming platform, like PCs, consoles, and mobile devices. Online gaming can be played using a phone or tablet, which is one of the main reasons for online game addiction. Children can easily play games anytime, anywhere, which affects their school and social lives. Apart from this, the closure of schools due to the epidemic has increased the use of mobile devices and the internet by children.
However, online gaming has several disadvantages. Playing online games can also lead to a gaming addiction known as a gaming disorder. The game is designed in such a way that each level becomes more complex and difficult than the previous one. This causes a player to push himself to the limit to advance in the game. Therefore, by playing online games without any hindrance and with patient self-control, many players become extremely addicted to them and eventually develop gaming disorders.
In view of this, this advisory has been given to parents and teachers for the purpose of raising awareness of the need to deal with mental and physical problems in children due to online gaming.
What not to do:
- Do not allow in-game purchases due to parental consent. App purchases should be avoided, and OTP-based payment methods may be adopted as per RBI guidelines.
- Avoid credit or debit card registration for membership on the app. Set an upper limit on the cost of each transaction.
- Do not advise children to download software from unknown websites.
- Tell them to beware of website links, images, and pop-up downloads, as they can contain viruses and damage the computer.
- Advise them not to give personal information on the Internet while downloading the game. They should never share personal information on a gaming profile.
- Advise them not to communicate via webcam, private message, or online chat.
- It is advised to avoid playing the game for long periods of time without stopping, considering the health aspects and the addictive nature of the game.
What should we do?
- If something goes wrong while playing an online game, stop immediately and take a screenshot.
- Help your child protect their online privacy by asking them to use a screen name (avatar) that does not reflect their real name.
- Use an antivirus program and configure the web browser securely by using a firewall.
- Enable parental controls and security on the device or app browser to help restrict access to certain items and limit spending on in-game purchases.
- If a stranger tries to start a conversation about something inappropriate or asks for personal information, report it.
- Play games with your child and better understand how they are handling their personal information and who they are communicating with.
- Unusually secretive behavior, mostly related to their online activities.
- A sudden increase in the time they spend online, especially on social media.
- They appear to change the screen on their devices when they approach them.
- After using the Internet or sending a lesson-related message, they withdraw or become angry.
