A massively multiplayer online role-playing game (MMORPG) is a genre of computer role-playing games (CRPGs) in which a large number of players interact with one another in a virtual world. As in all RPGs, players assume the role of a fictional character (often in a fantasy world), and take control over many of that character's actions. MMORPGs are distinguished from single-player or small multi-player CRPGs by the number of players, and by the game's persistent world, usually hosted by the game's publisher, which continues to exist and evolve while the player is away from the game.
There are Kid friendly Role Playing Games out there but these games are heavily reliant on in game communication between players. In order for you to be succsesful in most of these games you will want to join a guild or group of others to accomplish a goal or to win a battle etc.. You may not know who your child is talking to online. There is real time chat in most of these games and these converstaions are not monitored. If you choose to let your child play these games be aware that people can be easily drawn into these games and possibly become addicted.
The world of online gaming has expanded to include not just computers attached to the internet but gaming consoles like XBOX 360, Playstation 3, Wii etc...These online games incorporate chatrooms, message boards, and voice-enabled chat. Players can connect with other players throughout the world, and your children can be exposed to the same online dangers when using gaming consoles as well as your desktop PC especially cyberbullying, enticement, and theft of personal information.
Some games allow voice-chat with other players. This means that your child can actually hear and speak to other players through the headphones and microphone that hook into the console.
Cyberbullying is common in gaming. A person who bullies, taunts, or harasses others during gaming is called a griefer. A griefer may cheat, use inappropriate language, harass beginners to the game, and otherwise cause annoyances to fellow gamers.
Online games can expose children to graphic material and topics. Even if the game itself poses no such risks, another user could send a link to an explicit website or discuss inappropriate content. Even age-specific online games can pose potential threats. For example, if the game has an age limit requiring all members to be under 18 years old, it is easy for someone who wants to entice a child to create an online profile appearing to be the appropriate age. Children often feel they can trust someone who is the same age.
If cyberbullied, teach your children to
Ignore them; do not respond
Change games or create a private game with only people they know in real-life
Turn the game off and play again later
Use block features
Change to a different screenname – one that does not include any identify information
Keep personal information private so that a griefer cannot use this info to harass your child further
You can use the Parental Controls on these Game Systems to block or Prevent access to these online games.
Microsoft Xbox and Xbox 360 (has wired network but not wireless out of the box) Parental Controls Link
