Unfortunately, in this day and age, these are questions parents should be concerned about. There are thousands of games on the Internet, and most of them are completely safe and harmless. However, we hear about more and more kids entering into chats with their game partners, and innocently giving out personal information such as names, addresses, and even credit card and checking account information.
Parents need to discuss safe cyber habits with their children. They need to make sure the child knows that it is OK to report any inappropriate behavior or language that occurs.
Rules include playing time, playing with friends only and never chatting with strangers. Also, parents need to be aware of the games that are being played and with whom they are playing. Check the game's Web site for more information if necessary.
Parents should monitor the chat and language being used. Place the computer in a place where chatting can easily be monitored.
Parents should advise their kids to never give out personal information, pictures of themselves, or information that could lead someone to their home or community. Make sure they never agree to meet someone in person, and that they know it is OK to tell them immediately if someone asks them for such information.
The child should be encouraged to use suitable screen names called "gamertags" that follow the rules of the game site. Such names should never reveal information that could lead to harassment.
Discuss entering into voice chats wisely. Voice masking or cloaking technology to disguise a child's real voice is now available. However adults can mask their voice too and not everyone is who they claim to be.
One of the safer ways for your kids to play online games is for the parent to play with them. This may be the last thing they want, especially if they're older, but it's a good way to help them learn the rules and how to deal with others online while still having fun.
SOURCE: Dewey Teel, UNL Extension Educator
