Online Gaming can be great fun for those taking part, however there are also dangers to online gaming that children playing online and parents need to be aware of.

A survey commissioned by Get Safe Online revealed the following statistics:

– 51% worry about their kids’ safety
– 37% feel they have no control over their kids’ online gaming
– 24% are unaware of the security risks to their kids from online gaming
– 25% know their kids have disclosed personal information while online gaming

Safe Gaming

• Play online games only when you have effective and updated antivirus/anti spy software and firewall
• Play only with authorised versions of games which you have purchased from the correct sources and for which you have a licence.
• Verify the authenticity and security of downloaded files and new software by buying from reputable sources.
• Choose a user name that does not reveal any personal information. Similarly, if your game includes the ability to create a personal profile, make sure you don’t give away any personal information.
• Use strong passwords.
• Don’t reveal any personal information to other players.
• Make sure you keep the game software up to date. Most multiplayer games automatically update themselves before letting you connect.

Tips For Parents

1. Set guidelines and ground rules for your children when playing online. Find out what sort of games your children enjoy – do they prefer role-play games, sports games, strategy and quest games or first-person shooter games?
2. Ask who they play with online, who they meet and talk to, and what kind of language is being used in live chat (usually via headphones).
3. Make sure you and your family agree what games can be played and that children understand why some games are allowed and others aren’t

On the Internet Matters Website there is an interactive tool to look at parental controls for all devices in the household (Including Game Consoles).

https://www.internetmatters.org/parental-controls/interactive-guide/

 

Don’t Forget
Complete the new 2016 Cyber Crime survey, so we can see the full scope of Cyber Crime in Warwickshire, and across West Mercia and the West Midlands – https://www.surveymonkey.co.uk/r/RegionalCyber16