Safe online games for kids

Gaming Tips for Parents :

As a parent or carer you should find out about the dangers and help eradicate or minimise as many of them as possible to make sure that your child is a 'safe gamer' online.

• Starting out – make sure your computer has an activated security feature such as a firewall, anti-spyware software or anti-virus software. You may also want to switch your pop up blocker on. 

•  Tell your child to come to you if any messages or icons appear that make them feel uncomfortable or they are unsure where (or who) they came from.

• Teach your child how to block or report cases of cyberbullying; tell them not to engage with the bully.

• Check that your child’s username does not give away any personal information – eg name, location, age, date of birth or any other personal information.

  

• Encourage them not to send their personal details to fellow gamers.   

 

• Never let your child use a current picture of themselves - encourage them to use an animated avatar image.

• Read and understand the ratings for the games that your children are playing or involved in. Various game sites have multiple games with a variety of different ratings, check the ins and outs.