Home Gaming Online Gaming Overview of Online Gaming
Overview of Online Gaming

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.

 

***Don't forget if you have a wireless router you can prevent game consoles from even getting online***

 

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.

Windows Vista has Parental Controls built in as well as access to the ESRB ratings system to Check out this link to the Entertainment Software Rating Board or ESRB

Also for your PC you can check out the computer filtering section.