Setting Online Gaming Rules for Your Kids
Although online gaming is becoming more available to people of all ages including very young kids and infants, it is still very important to set rules to follow. Parents should make it a point to emphasize the need for learning and social awareness, to maintain a balance between what’s happening in the real world and online. Here are some recommended tips by happy folks.
Discipline on Gaming
1. Schedule. Set a weekly routine for your kids as to when they are allowed to play games online. If you have more than one child sharing a single computer, assign alternating days each week. It may be more helpful to ask the kids to make the plan for you, so they can choose days they like. It is recommended that you limit gaming time during weekdays. Online gaming should be a type of entertainment but do not make it the sole source for your children.
2. Priorities. Change your schedule as needed depending on the current requirements of your kids at home and in school. You may want to eliminate play completely during examination week or if your kid has a project or homework to do on certain days. Remind your children that they need to prioritize other important things in life as well like exercising, meeting with friends and family and excelling in other areas.
3. Choose the games. There are labels that serve as a guide for parents when choosing the right games that are appropriate to your kids ages. Some games are E rated if these are universally acceptable for everyone. Others may have a minimum acceptable age of 13 or 18 depending on the content, style of play and other requirements. You may also want to play the game a few times yourself before handing it to your children.
Staying Safe Online
4. Malicious content prevention. Install an antivirus and anti-spyware program and set up a firewall to stay protected against malicious data and possibly infected web sites. There are software that can block specified web sites that your kids cannot intently or accidentally find themselves in violent or sexually explicit places on the internet. Set rules for your kids when downloading. Tell them that you should be aware of all downloaded files. There are programs that will ensure this.
5. Safe habits. Remind your children never to disclose any personal information when meeting people in online gaming. Encourage your children to communicate and be friendly with other players, but let them know about warning signs and other things to avoid.
