Everything Parents Should Know About Online Gaming

Here are the Things Parents Should Know About Online Gaming

Cyberbullying

The world of online gaming is filled with threats and bullying, both real and virtual. In some cases, online bullying can be life-threatening. While some people take extreme measures, bullying and other forms of cyberbullying are not the only consequences. Many online games can also result in instant death. High School Story developers recently added a cyberbullying storyline after a player contacted their technical support team. The competitive nature of many online games can lead to bullying.

Cybersex

It’s important for parents to know about the legal risks of cybersex for teens under the age of 18. While many states prohibit sending nude or suggestive photos of minors, some states have laws designed to protect vulnerable youth from being exploited. For example, under the law, melbet “sexting” can put a teenager at risk for criminal prosecution. Although laws against sexting vary from state to state, there are national guidelines for what is considered “sexting.”

Violence in video games

The effects of playing violent video games are not always as negative as one might think. In fact, the research shows that playing such games may detach one from real-life violence. Some past studies have shown that repeat viewing of violent movies can reduce a person’s emotional response to the characters. However, these studies were limited to films and did not address the effects of violent video games. Nevertheless, there is a link between video games and real-world violence.

ESRB ratings

While ESRB ratings provide general guidance on the age-appropriacy of games, some games may not be suitable for young children. Some games allow players to interact with other players online, which can alter the content. Those games may also expose players to inappropriate online chat and players. ESRB ratings are not a substitute for the judgment of parents. Parents should use these ratings in conjunction with their own tastes and preferences when selecting games for their children.

Parental controls

Parents should look for parental controls on online games so they can control what their kids are doing while playing. For instance, some systems block online chat because it can contain profanity and bullying by other players. Others allow parents to approve or disapprove friend requests, and some even set time limits for children to play games. This way, they can set limits on how long their children can spend on the system. It’s important to consider how your own digital parenting style works, and find the right balance.