Video games like Roblox and Fortnite are becoming a favorite pastime among children because they allow them to interact with friends online and develop skills like coordination and communication. However, many parents are concerned about the dangers of cyberbullying and other risks, like exposure to harmful behavior and excessive screen time.
This is why parents looking to protect their kids from bullying and elevate their gaming experience use services like games boosting. An example is Fortnite boosting services, wherein a professional boosting assistant can play Fortnite on behalf of children and teach them strategies and proper online etiquette.
Today’s article will explore ways to create safe spaces for children playing video games and protect them from harmful interactions and inappropriate content.
Advocate for change.
Raise awareness about cyberbullying and other dangers of video games – a collective effort from all parents, local communities, and schools. Share your concerns and experiences and learn from other parents, for instance.
Always advocate for building safe spaces for kids playing video games and write to or encourage game developers/publishers to implement strict moderation and reporting policies.
Limit your child’s screen time.
Monitor your kid’s screen time (and activities online) and set a limit. According to the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence, a child’s screen time must be at most two hours daily for mental well-being and physical health.
Set time limits and teach them the importance of taking breaks to disrupt the cycle of instant gratification that online games provide. Pauses are essential to reset their brains by reducing constant stimulation, which can otherwise lead to gaming dependency. It can also introduce children to healthier gaming habits.
Teach online etiquette.
Protect your child from online dangers by teaching them essential digital etiquette, which can introduce them to proper behavior when engaging in video games and handling any situation.
Educate them about respect and kindness in interactions and constantly remind them to treat other children and players how they want to be treated. Discuss with them ways to block abusive and disrespectful players and how to report incidents to the platform’s support system.
Talk to them about the importance of open communication. Make them comfortable sharing their thoughts and experiences with you, letting them know you always support them. You should also talk to them about not disclosing personal and private information to strangers to keep them safe in their interactions.
Review video game settings.
Check your child’s game settings constantly, including privacy settings. We recommend limiting their conversations with friends and turning off the voice chat because some video games allow unrestricted voice chatting with other gamers, increasing a child’s risk of exposure to the harmful behavior of other players. You’ll find video games with restricted chat boxes and only “ping” functions, providing a safe space for your kid.
Involve yourself in their gaming experience.
Monitoring your child’s gaming experience is as important as limiting their screen time. Set parental controls to block inappropriate content and restrict chat functions. In addition, manage in-game purchases, check chat logs, and review all other game activities to help you identify any issues.
Play alongside your kid to involve yourself in their gaming experience, gain insights into gaming’s social dynamics, and build trust with your kid. This is as important as providing them emotional support in their academic journey.
Eventually, by involving yourself in their games, you can guide them through whatever challenge or issue they encounter online, like peer pressure and bullying.
Know gambling-related risks in video gaming.
Apps and video games often offer luck-based gaming mechanics and in-game purchases, which you must also monitor. Talk to your child about game features that can lead to addictive behaviors, such as loot boxes and other similar features, which can result in gambling.
Other quick tips
- Check a game’s age ratings before allowing your kid to download or play a video game. There are online games designed for older children.
- Look for games with servers specifically allocated for younger children. It can be a supervised playground where your child can play online games without you fearing their exposure to any harmful or inappropriate content.
- Educate and remind them that someone’s online profile or picture must not fool them because some people are not honest enough to disclose who they are or are not correctly represented in the images they use on the platform.
- Remind them to discuss with you anything they experience, such as if someone is offering them anything for free.
- Encourage them to report any harassment or bullying they experience to you.
- You can adjust the settings of your child’s device, including console, tablet, phone, or video game, and filter anything inappropriate for them.
Conclusion
These tips can empower you with the knowledge and tools you need to protect your children from online bullying and other risks associated with video games, including age-inappropriate content, harmful behaviors, and other potentially addictive effects. Small actions can go a long way to reduce the risks associated with online video games. So, follow these tips and allow your children to enjoy online gaming without compromising their mental health and safety.